Dimapur, May 1 (MExN): The Nagaland Senior Citizen Association (NSCA) has lauded the April 25 cabinet decision wherein the recognition of Rongmei tribe as one of the indigenous Naga tribes of Nagaland was withdrawn.
“Taking cognizance of the consequential hues and cries, discord and dissensions of the civil societies, the cabinet has taken a wise decision,” a press release appended by NSCA President, Dr. S.I. Tushi Ao and General Secretary S. Ghunakha Swu stated.
“Prudence suggest that the maturity, vast experiences and statesmanship of the present cabinets under the seasonal leadership of Dr. Shurhozelie Leizietsu has settled this controversial and one sided action during the previous regime,” it added.
The association further called for a review of the continuous grant to enjoy the status, privileges and entitlement of indigenous on those who permanently settled in Nagaland prior to 1.12.1963 along with their legitimate descendents.
It argued that the Rongmei people have no inherited land in the state of Nagaland and contended, “The fact that the state government department concerned who own the responsibility for election matter had nullified the claim that the Rongmei tribe numbering 1313 were enumerated in the electoral list for the first election which was held in Jan, 1964.” The association further pointed to the non-existence of the names of Rongmei tribe in the electoral Roll in the election Department record under concerned district of Kohima since the inception of the state in 1963.
“It is an admitted fact that when a tribe from outside of Nagaland is allowed as indigenous tribe of Nagaland, other contiguous inhabitant of Nagaland state shall naturally demand the same privilege and refusal/denied will term as discrimination,” the NSCA stated.
