Dimapur, Jan. 6 (EMN): Joint Coordination Committee of Villages (JCCV) for Dimapur district comprising 41 villages has threatened to call for hunger strike if the state government fails to reconsider its notification and resolve the issue pertaining to bifurcation of Dimapur district before January 20.
In an open letter to the state chief minister, JCCV has expressed displeasure over what it termed as ‘autocratic reorganising of villages’ into new district without their consent. In this regard, JCCV urged the government to safeguard the rights and aspirations of the people of 41 villages to remain within Dimapur district.
A JCCV press release issued jointly by its convenor Lughozhe K Swu, co-convenor Tsithrongse Sangtam, and secretary Devendra Rana reminded the representations submitted to the state government by Aqahuto Tokukujo Kukami Kuqhakulu through the DC of Dimapur on November 22, 2021; the Sema-Dimasa Union on December 16, 2021, in regard to the bifurcation of Dimapur district; and memorandum to the chief minister on December 22, 2021, by the conglomeration of 41 villages on December 20, 2021, wherein they have unequivocally stated to remain with Dimapur district.
JCCV pointed out that the hasty decision of the government to create a new district without formality for broad consultation among the stakeholders and opportunity to express their mutual interest or iron out their differences remained questionable. It stated that such arbitrary decision of the government at the behest of a certain section of people, while keeping half the population in the dark, was not only undemocratic but tantamount to fomenting misunderstanding among the Naga family. It added that such injustice was divisive and contrary to the message of unity espoused by the state government.
It pointed out that Dimapur district is one special place in Nagaland where all the tribes of Nagaland including the minority communities have learnt to live together in harmony and cherish it as home. It added that such a spirit of bonhomie should be promoted.
JCCV, therefore, appealed to the government to protect the rights and aspirations of the minority and avoid arbitrary fragmentation of the minorities against their wishes and welfare saying, ‘It is this less used threads that adds colour and makes the Naga shawl beautiful.’ It mentioned that to keep away the Dimasas elsewhere from Dimapur district would be equivalent to deprivation of their identity right and threat to their aspiration for meaningful existence as part and parcel of Naga community. Likewise, it stated that the Gorkhas, who are another prominent minority group within the Naga community, and a few villages established by fellow Eastern Nagas formed an integral part of Dimapur district. It urged the government to respect their rights and aspirations and carefully safeguarded from further marginalisation.
Besides, it stated that Dhansiripar sub-division has long standing unresolved inter district boundary issue of Dimapur-Peren districts which has intermittently resulted in ugly showdown and bloodshed among fellow Naga brethren.
JCCV further stated that formation of new district and amalgamation of Dhansiripar sub-division, without solving the problem at hand, would be premature and opening another Pandora’s box. It, therefore, implored upon the government to reconsider its notification and resolve the issue before January 20.