Dimapur, Sept 18 : Perturbed by opinion poll results published in certain section of local newspaper on September 19 in which the Nagaland Tribes Council (NTC) was accused of being ‘co-opted by government,’ the NTC vehemently denied such affiliation and refuted the allegation that it has ‘vested political agenda.’
The NTC also expressed willingness to share a platform with accusers for a democratic and healthy debate.
A statement issued by Media Cell, NTC said, ”Since Nagaland has more than one government, which government the accuser means in not indicated. Yet, whichever government he/she means, the NTC vehemently denies such affiliation.”
The NTC clarified that it is not a registered organization under Home Department or any other government like those organisations registered under ‘Nagaland Village and Tribal Councils Act, 1978’ which amended from ‘Nagaland Area and Village Council Act of 1978’ in 2009.
“Those organizations registered under the Act or received pecuniary grants or assistance to hold tribal festivals and any other assistance deemed fit, under section 27 of the Act may be consider co-opted by the State government.”
On the allegation that NTC has ‘vested political agenda,’ the statement said, the NTC has its own constitution and functions within the laid down parameters.
“The NTC is never a political organization nor has any affiliation with any political body. The NTC was launched on 12th October, 2013 and during the three calendar years, the NTC has been normally placed its activities in the public domain so as this platform belongs to the Nagas of Nagaland.”