The Chief Secretary’s statement carried in the media has hurt the sentiments of the general public. In an emergency meeting held at the office of the Naga Council on 14th Aug, 2012, to discuss PAC “Pledge Campaign”, members expressed outrage at the top bureaucrat’s irresponsible and biased statement. The Chief Secretary’s statement “an NGO is not authorized to carry out such actions against any group of people” merits special and swift response and we can deduce the following from the statement;
i) That CS Lalthara is directly encouraging illegal Bangladeshi immigrants (IBIs) to settle in Nagaland and supports the anti-social activities of IBIs in the state since PAC/NC has repeatedly made it clear to all Nagas that its activity is not against any group of people or religion but against illegal Bangladeshi immigrants and yet the CS went ahead with his malicious propaganda. The CS of IAS cadre is fully aware that aliens are not accorded any rights under the Indian Constitution, yet he chose to play with facts in his statement. The fact that failure to execute Special Task Force (STF) to identify illegal immigrants announced with much bravado by the Chief Secretary in April 2012 which is yet to see the light of day, further lends credence to his fanatical statement.
ii) The Chief Secretary’s statement borders on communalism as it maliciously hints of PAC/NC’s ‘movement’ that may “vitiate” atmosphere. Firstly, contrary to CS assumptions, PAC’s is not undertaking any ‘movement’ but conducting a peaceful awareness campaign. Secondly, such a statement is outrageous, to say the least and if any untoward incident befalls Nagas in mainland India, the Naga people should squarely blame the Chief Secretary for promoting and inciting communalism through his statement (every reader should read his statement again). Being the top bureaucrat of the state, CS statement carries much weight and in light of his harangue in open media, vested interests has the potential to blow it out of proportion and cause harm to our Northeast students in India. The CS has clearly shown that differentiating IBIs from genuine Indians is too tough a task for him.
iii) Naga civil society organizations want to know how the former are not authorized to carry out a Pledge Campaign? Are we living in a police state? Basing on which article of the Indian constitution is the learned CS making such a statement? That the statement is an insult to the intelligence of Naga people is in fact an understatement. CS statement is an utter contempt of all tribal institutions which work tirelessly to uphold Naga way of life and at the same time strive for peace in our land. Tribal institutions such as Naga Council, Naga Hoho, NMA, NSF, ENPO, etc have always rendered our assistance to the government and society and the Naga people are witnesses to it. We don’t need public applause. Neither would we remain silent when the genuine cause for which we toil, sweat and sacrifice for our people is wrongly translated by vested interests which occurred twice on this particular IBI issue. We do what is right and that which must be done for the welfare and interest of the Naga people. We advise the CS not to pass such derogatory remarks again. We can go on and on but this is exactly what aliens want us to do - divide us and watch us fight from the sidelines while they reap benefits. Let this incident be a lesson for everyone. We want bureaucrats with vision to work for the welfare of the state and not be rubber stamp authorities to drive wedge into critical public issues or simply concerned with signing files and harvesting Government largesse.
Sd/-
1. Savi Liegise, President, NC
2. T. Bangerloba, VP, NC
3. Vikato Zhimomi, VP (Admn), NC
4. Ntsemo Ngullie, GS, NC
5. Joseph Shingnaisui, Jt. Secy, NC
6. Joel Nillo Kath, Fin. Secy, NC and Co-ordinator, PAC
7. Dietho Rhakho, Treasurer, NC
8. Hekhevi Achumi, Senior Citizen
9. Hukheli T. Wotsa, President, NWHD
10. Liangsi Newmai John, GS, NWHD
11. Soutsutho Amon, President, Pochury Union Dimapur Dist.(PUDD)
12. Vikhosayi Nyekha, President, Chakhesang Union Dimapur Dist.(CHDD)
13. Heling Zeliang, President, Zeliang hoho
14. W. Mero, NC Councillor
15. K. Ghokheto Chophy, NC Councillor
16. Joel Lorhu, NC Councillor
17. NC Max Dailiam, NC Councillor
18. LK Peter, NC Councillor
19. GK Rengma, NC Councillor
20. Zhietshulo Kapfo, CHDD representative to CPO
21. Japan Sachu, GB,
22. Rangau, GB & NC Councillor
23. Lanu, GB, Nagagaon
24. H. Athrongba Sangtam, President, YAN
25. T. Temjen, GS, YAN
26. Kheketo Chophy, Spokesperson, YAN
27. Nzanbemo, Games & sports, YAN
28. Kevin Angami, Fin.Secy, YAN
29. S. Richard Humtsoe, YAN
30. V. Dozo, YAN
31. Mughavi Awomi, Stats. Secy, YAN
32. Victo Chishi, YAN founder
33. N. Zeliang, Chairman, Medical colony
34. Biplab K. Sangma, President, Garo Students’ Union, Nagaland Zone
35. Heikim Meru, Zeme Baptist Church
36. Sentilong, Asst. Fin. Secy, 5th Mile Model Village
37. Titus Kath, President, Walford Area Youth Organisation (WAYO)
38. Gwachilo Seb, Advisor, Walford Area Youth Organisation (WAYO)
