Clarifications required from Rev L Suohie Mhasi & GBs

Quoting press releases, respected Rev. L. Suohie Mhasi claimed that Rongmei was ‘recognised as an indigenous tribe of Nagaland by Govt. of Nagaland in 1977’ as appeared in Nagaland Post on 12.10.2016.

Myself being a novice, comparatively speaking, in every respect and had it not been a compulsion, I wish not to question the wisdom of the elderly, prominent and distinguished Christian leader in the person of Rev. Suohie. I came to know that he is not only Reverend but he is a former MLA during the nascent stage of Nagaland Statehood. Indeed, I have all due respect for this Naga elder who has immense concern for the wellbeing of our people as I came across the occasional write-ups of his in the media.

Whereas, the brief item of Rev. Suohie on the controversial Rongmei issue has attracted my attention and for me to poise few questions to Reverend.

1. Which are those claimed ‘press releases’ that have vouched for Rongmei recognition as an indigenous tribe of Nagaland by Govt. of Nagaland in 1977?

2. Will you please substantiate your assertion with documentary proof or proofs?

3. Why did the Reverend remain silent for the last 3 years if you have such evidence(s) and knowledge on the matter and allowed the acrimonies to be developed between Rongmeis and other tribes? This question is necessitated for the fact that Rongmeis being recognized as an indigenous tribe of Nagaland in 1977, if true, should not have been debated since from 2013 onward. The APO submitted its representation to C.M. Nagaland on 27th June, 2013 against the recognition.

I am sure, the senior Rev. Suohie is not talking nonsense. He is a very experienced citizen and a prominent figure as ex-MLA and a Reverend in our society. Therefore, when he proves his claim, few authorities will be placed in a very embarrassing position. The State Govt. of Nagaland will be questioned as to how Rongmei had to be given re-recognition when Rongmei has been a tribe of Nagaland since 1977. Was the Govt. of Nagaland ignorant of its own record? The second, according to Rev. Suohie, Rongmeis has been an indigenous tribe of Nagaland for the last ‘more than 30 years’ (36 years), if so, what prompted the Rongmeis to seek for re-recognition?

Secondly, my attention is also drawn to Nagaland GBs expressing support to 1313 Rongmeis supposed to be voters in Nagaland since 1963. The GBs are regarded as the custodian of customary laws for our ethos and traditions. The GBs are considered mature, rational, stable(not purchasable) and daring. The GBs are considered the specimen of Naga truthfulness, Naga straightforwardness, Naga judiciousness, Naga transparency and Naga boldness. As long as a GB upholds these principles, he commands respect in society.

Unfortunately, the GBs interfered into the case of the PIL on Nagaland Oil and Natural Gas Rules and Regulations of 2012 filed by Lotha Hoho. The Govt. of Nagaland diluted the supremacy of Art 371(A) and legally harmed the protective law in question by oil exploration rules. Had MOGPL been allowed to explore our oil under the given rules, Art 371(A) would have been crippled by now had it not been intercepted by Lothas. Without being well versed with the pros and cons about the issue, the GBs ran the errand of the Govt. or of those private parties having direct or indirect interest in oil exploration business had discoloured your red blanket.

Had the first misdemeanour been the last, I would have avoided the kind of reaction now posing to you. Yet, this is the second time the GBs have volunteered yourselves to be part and parcel of the controversy wagon which compels me to join you. Welcome. The Rongmei Naga is a recognized indigenous tribe in the State of Manipur and listed under Scheduled tribes by GOI. The 1313 Rongmeis claimed to be in Nagaland during 1963 are never an indigenous tribe of Nagaland. The GBs must be prepared to prove that 1313 Rongmeis are genuine and valid voters in 1963 as you have claimed so with legal proofs. I am sure you are ready to authenticate your posture.

If Rev. Suohie and the GBs are legally right, the NTC, CNTC and all those tribal bodies who objected the Rongmei recognition will be proved wrong.

Z. Lohe