Govt.policy to add new tribes opposed

NAGALAND TRIBAL MEMBERS  OPPOSE INCLUSION OF MORE TRIBES

Representatives of major tribes of Nagaland have questioned the decision of the  DAN government to accord recognition  of tribes outside Nagaland as Scheduled Tribe of the state and unanimously resolved to move for “de-recognition of Rongmei tribe as a recognized tribe in the state of Nagaland including the move to include Mao tribe as Scheduled Tribe of Nagaland.

This was resolved at the third consultative meeting of concerned Nagaland tribal leaders held in Hotel Japfu Kohima on May 10 stated a joint statement issued by sessional chairman Yesonü Veyie and sessional secretary Imtinochet. They said the issue had been discussed “threadbare” at three consultative meetings.

The third consultative meeting of  ‘concerned Nagaland tribal leaders’ was held at Hotel Japfu Kohima on May 10 with regard to the recognition of new tribes in the state of Nagaland, they said.

The two disclosed that the May 10 meeting was attended by members representing Angami, Ao, Chakhesang, Lotha, Sumi, Zeliang and ENPO tribes where the government notification constituting an official committee to look into the representation of the Mao tribe for inclusion as a recognized tribe of Nagaland state.

After a thorough deliberation, the meeting unanimously resolved to move for “de-recognition of the Rongmei tribe as a recognized tribe in the state of Nagaland and to oppose the government move for recognition of Mao tribe”.

The May 10 meeting also “strongly resolved to oppose recognition of any tribe from other states as a recognized tribe in the state of Nagaland”, the joint statement added.

A six-member Coordination Committee was formed to pursue the matter as resolved. The committee is headed by Pius Lotha as convenor, Theja Therieh as secretary and the following as members-Thepfulhouvi Solo, Akang Ao, Toniho Yeptho and Kengim Kuluibe.

The next consultative meeting is to be held with all Nagaland tribal leaders on May 25 at 10 a.m. in Hotel Saramati Dimapur.

It may also be mentioned that the Zeliang People’s Organisation (ZPO) has opposed the decision of the government of Nagaland for inclusion of Rongmei tribe as a Scheduled Tribe of the state.

(NPN)