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DIMAPUR — Several Naga organisations have voiced strong opposition to the inclusion of non-Nagas as government nominees in Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).
On Monday, the Naga Students' Federation (NSF), the Naga Council Dimapur (NCD), and the Dimapur Naga Students' Union (DNSU) issued statements expressing deep concern over the new development and urged the state government to reconsider its proposed move.
Among others, the organisations cited the need to uphold Naga rights, protect indigenous culture and governance, as well as honour the special provisions granted under Article 371(A) of the Indian Constitution.
In a representation to Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, the NSF emphasised the importance of indigenous representation in platforms for local governance.
“For these decisions to genuinely reflect the needs and aspirations of the people, it is imperative that the representatives are closely aligned with the local indigenous communities,” read the representation.
Indigenous representation is not merely a matter of presence but of ensuring that the unique identity, culture and historical context of the Naga people are upheld and preserved, it stated.
The NSF went on to state that reservations in the ULBs should be exclusively for indigenous Nagas of Nagaland state in order to maintain the integrity and agency of the Naga people in decision-making processes at the local level.
It argued that inclusion of non-indigenous individuals in these reserved categories “dilutes the representation of the Naga community and undermines the very purpose of these reservations”.
Furthermore, the student body asserted that its stance revolves around the preservation of Naga identity, culture, and governance, and, “Allowing non-indigenous individuals to occupy positions meant for indigenous representatives poses a threat to the preservation of our unique cultural and social fabric”.
While advocating for the rights of indigenous Nagas of Nagaland, the NSF clarified that it also upholds the principles of inclusivity and equality.
“However, inclusivity must not come at the cost of compromising the indigenous Naga peoples’ rights,” it asserted, calling for a balanced approach where all communities can thrive, while the rights of the indigenous populations are protected and prioritised in their respective domains.
In this context, the NSF urged the chief minister to reconsider the candidature of non-Nagas for the government nominee in the ULBs.
“We appeal for your support in ensuring that the reservations within the ULBs remain exclusively for indigenous Naga individuals of Nagaland state, thereby safeguarding our identity, culture, and governance,” it added.
In a separate statement, the NCD urged the government to ensure that all government nominees to the ULBs are “Nagas by blood”.
“The reason behind this appeal of NCD is based on the safeguard of Nagas’ right and the Nagas’ special status embedded in Article 371(A), in the constitution of India which provides only Nagas themselves to legislate their own laws according to Naga customary practices in law-making-bodies,” read its statement.
Since the newly framed Act and guidelines of Municipal Council and Town Council fall under the purview of Article 371(A), it appealed to the government to nominate only those who are Nagas by blood in the ULBs which are intended for self-governance and welfare of the people.
Stressing that decision-making within these bodies should rest solely in the hands of individuals who are Nagas by blood, it further urged the government to cross-check and ensure that all nominees meet this criteria.
Further, the NCD asserted that it supports the stance of the NSF on the issue, to ensure that the Naga people’s voices and desires are reflected in decision-making bodies of local self-governance.
In a press release, the DNSU drew attention to a purported government notification which stated that, “the Nagaland Municipal Act, 2023 was drafted with provision in concurrence with the special provisions as envisaged in Article 371 of the constitution of India”.
The Article which grants special provisions to Nagaland, it asserted, was hard-won through the sacrifices of previous generations and should not be treated lightly.
“It is crucial for the Government of Nagaland and the legislature to understand that Article 371(A) is not a mere decorative clause but a right granted to the Nagas to govern, decide, and protect the well-being of their people. Any legislative or administrative actions should always consider the significance of Article 371(A) enshrined in the Constitution,” it added.
The DNSU went on to state that while the Nagaland Municipal Act, 2023 allows for nominations of individuals with “special knowledge or experience,” Dimapur has no shortage of qualified local individuals who could fulfill these roles.
Further, it said that the suspension of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) in Dimapur “without any valid reasons” was akin to leaving a “house without a lock”.
With Dimapur being the gateway to Nagaland, “allowing outsiders to participate in the electoral process as decision-makers” without addressing the ILP issue was “tantamount to self-destruction,” it asserted.
To bolster its argument, the DNSU went on to reiterate its opposition to non-Naga participation in the recent urban local body elections, claiming that the government ignored the concerns and sentiments of the Nagas, deeply wounding public sentiment.
The union, along with its affiliated tribal units, vowed to staunchly oppose the inclusion of non-locals in the council and would take necessary measures to prevent it.
While congratulating the newly elected council members, the DNSU urged them to prioritise the welfare of the people and work cordially, regardless of political affiliations. It also appealed to the ward representatives to remember that they represent the people who voted for them.
“Dimapur belongs to all Nagas, and the Nagas of Dimapur, as peaceful and law-abiding citizens, wishes to live in harmony with others but not at the expense of our political, social, and economic well-being,” it added.