I stick to my statement dated 29.10.2013
The people irrespective of clans, tribes and races living together within a boundary as permanent settlers are to be treated as equal citizens. In the village the population consists of descendants of various clans or tribes or races living together for many years forget about who belongs to what and there is no sense of discrimination among the village community.
Whether in a village or tribe or State or country, all of the people who are permanent settlers are to be recognized as bonafide citizens basing on fulfillment of rules and conditions of citizenship and not basing on tribalism or racism. There are some Nagas living in Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya and U.S.A. as domiciled citizens and there are many people from other tribes and races living together with the Nagas for many years who may deserve acquiring citizenship to live as bonafide citizens. Recognition of citizenship is not to be in term of tribe or race but to be in term of whether the candidate is qualified or not as per the existing rules and conditions.
Some persons belonging to Rongmei tribe lived at Kohima since British time and if such particular persons are recognized as bonafide citizens, it does not mean that Rongmei tribe is recognized. In like manner, whether Maos, Kukis, Kacharis, Nepalese, Punjabis, Bengalese, Assamese, Manipuris, Khasis and so on who have been residing in Nagaland many years having their permanent homes should be recognized as equal citizens and should not continue to be treated as temporary so- journers. It is individual matter and to be dealt with individually. Whether a community has set up a village or not is not the question.
Formation of NTC is both antagonistic and laudatory going on side by side but it is already in existence and it is no harm unlike an armed faction because any organization whatsoever is subject to the general public and any organisation has to do anything according to universal human right and truth and justice before God. In anything we have to stand for the truth and justice because we all are stewards only in the world.
Rev. L. Suohie Mhasi
