Peter Rutsa
Kohima
In the best interest of the state and its people, with or without government sanction, Nagas of Nagaland state and other recognised non-Naga indigenous communities like Garo, Kachari, Kuki and Nepali require to undertake a population census under their respective tribal and community institutions.
A census to be taken at every village, urban wards and colonies where every genuine indigenous inhabitant of Nagaland state is given an opportunity to decide where they wish to be enrolled and do away with double enrolment in both rural and urban place of residency. However, where each and every individual is provided a clause to mention primary and secondary place of residency.
The most important part of undertaking such an exercise is for every village, tribe or community to come out clear with their population, where all participants declare before God and man. Swear upon the Holy Bible that, our Almighty God deliver his judgement upon any village or tribe which engages in dishonesty. An exercise, where we once and for all exclude all those who are not by tradition or custom and by legal provisions not countable as a Naga or a member of its indigenous communities.
It is without doubt that besides Naga tribes of our state including illegal migrants and non-Naga people into our census, even the indigenous non-Naga communities are taking in migrants from other states and country into their fold.
Let the legally mandated central and state government do what is required of it on its own slow and flawed comfort. But it is crucial for every tribe, village and other indigenous recognised non-Naga communities to come out clean! In the process, including God in our dealings by inviting his wrath upon our respective villages, tribe and future generations for exaggeration of our populations.
I believe a Christian state which has dedicated itself to God can readily live up to the challenge!
