NMA for Rights and Identity of Nagas

To The Hon’ble Governor of Nagaland, Raj Bhavan, Kohima. Subject: Memorandum Sir, The Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA) seeks to draw your immediate attention and intervention on our serious concern on the following pertinent issues, concerning the State and its citizens. Also, this is in continuation of our discussions with your kind self on 24th January 2019 in your esteem Office. 1. The Controversial Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2016 a) The Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA) registers our deep concern on the controversial Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2016 which has been passed by the Lok Sabha, without any objections raised by the Nagaland State Government, thus putting the future of our children at stake. The Bill will open the floodgates of more illegal immigrants into the State, this time under the guise of religion. The earlier stand of the State Government has brought much disappointments as it is obvious, as the Peoples’ elected government, they are not ready to protect the identity and rights of the indigenous people of the State. However, the NMA is relieved that the State Government has decided to oppose the Bill during its Cabinet meeting held on 28th January 2019. b) We have seen the Inner Line Permit not being effectively checked as the main gateway of Nagaland which is Dimapur is exempted from the ILP. Citing the protection of Article 371 (A) as a recourse for every issue is unfortunate as Nagas are well aware of the weight of the Indian Constitution over such specials provisions. 2. Identity of Naga Women The Naga Mothers’ Association also objects and questions the statement of the Chief Minister on 13th January 2019 at Tuensang, on trying to divert the seriousness of the CAB by proposing to create a debatable issue on the identity of Naga women. In a democratic society, any proposed law which affects the life and welfare of Naga women must also take into account the voices of women themselves, who are almost half of the State’s population. The NMA hopes the State Government will reconsider its stance and ensure that the rights and identity of the Nagas and our children are duly protected from such laws which will negate our very existence in the years ahead. 3. Nagaland State Women Commission The Naga Mothers’ Association would like to draw your attention to the tenure of the State Women Commission which is over. We reiterate that there must be expansion of the Commission with inclusion of more women members from various background who are sensitive to Womens’ rights and issues. We hope the next Women Commission will consist of committed women activists who will work for the protection and promotion of Womens’ rights.

Yours faithfully, Sd/- Abei-Ü Meru President, Naga Mothers’ Association;