Dimapur, September 26 : The State Cabinet has constituted a nine-member Cabinet Sub-Committee to examine the recognition of the Rongmei tribe as one of the Naga tribes of Nagaland in all its aspects and submit its recommendations at the earliest for further action of the Government.
The Cabinet in its meeting today discussed the recent reports in the media about the statements on the Rongmei issue made by several tribal hohos, Cabinet Secretary Pankaj Kumar said in a release. Considering the importance of the matter and in view of recent events, the Cabinet decided to constitute committee, the release said.
Dr Niekiesalie Nicky Kire, Minister (Environment, Forest & CC) is the convenor of the Cabinet Sub-Committee, P Longon, Minister (Health & Family Welfare) co-convenor, Y Patton, Minister (Home), Tokheho Yepthomi, Minister (PHED), Kipili Sangtam, Minister (Power), Nuklutoshi, Minister (Mechanical, National Highways), CL John, Minister (Rural Development), Yitachu, Minister (School Education) and Y Vikheho Swu, Minister (Roads & Bridges) are members.
The Cabinet also took into consideration the fact that recognition of the Rongmei tribe was previously made by the Cabinet on 23.07.2012 and consequently notification No. HOME/SCTA-6/2007 (Pt.I) dated 04.08.2012 was issued by the Home Department.
It noted that the matter was under litigation in WP(C) No. 4519/2012 in the Gauhati High Court (Zeliang People Organization vs State of Nagaland & Ors), which had passed an interim order on 22.11.2012, and that the matter was sub judice. It was also brought to the notice of the Cabinet that the report of the Committee, constituted vide Home Department's notification No. HOME/SCTA-6/2007 (PT-II) dated 03.04.2014, under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary to examine the issues relating to recognition of tribes, was yet to submit its report.
Ao, Sumi and Lotha legislators appeal
The Ao, Sumi and Lotha legislators have made a joint appeal to the three tribal hohos of their tribes and the Naga Hoho to reconsider and resolve all misunderstandings for unity and future of the Nagas.
“It is felt that all important issues concerning the Nagas must be resolved through discussions and thorough deliberations among all stakeholders rather than resorting to actions which are detrimental to the holders rather than resorting to actions which are detrimental to the unity of the Nagas,” the legislators said.
They further appealed to all respected leaders of all civil society organisations to keep in mind the paramount interest of the people while deliberating on issues pertaining to the future of our people. Any dispute or misunderstandings can always be resolved through the rich and age-old Naga traditions of dialogue in the spirit of give and take, the legislators said expressed theirur whole hearted solidarity and willingness to proactively work together with all civil society organisations.
