Nagaland attained statehood under the Union of India on 1st December, 1963 out of a Political Agreement popularly known as ‘the 16 Points Agreement. The Agreement was drafted and settled after series of meetings of the leaders representing all the indigenous Naga tribes under the umbrella of Naga Peoples Convention. It was in the 3rd session of the Naga Peoples Convention held at Mokokchung from 22nd to 26thOctober, 1959 that the 16 Points was passed after deliberation on the various recommendations of Sub-Committees which finally formed the basis for negotiation with the Government of India. Thereafter, the 16 Point was placed before the Prime Minister of India on 26th July, 1960 by the delegation of the Naga Peoples Convention under the leadership of Late Dr.Imkongliba, President, NPC and Late Mr.Jasokie Angami, Secretary, NPC.
Nagaland is an ancestral home land of 14 (fourteen) indigenous Naga tribes viz; 1. Angami 2, Ao 3.Sumi 4. Lotha 5.Chakeshang 6.Konyak 7.Sangtam 8.Chang 9.Yimchunger 10.Khiamungan 11.Phom 12.Rengma 13.Pochury 14.Zeliang.Besides the 14 Naga tribes, Kuki, Kachari, Garo and Mikhir are the indigenous inhabitants of the State of Nagaland.
As per the United Nation Declarations the term Indigenous Peoples means;
- Self- identification as indigenous peoples at the individual level and accepted by the community as their member.
- Historical continuity with pre-colonial and/or pre- settler societies.
- Strong link to territories and surrounding natural resources.
- Distinct social, economic or political systems.
- Distinct language, culture and beliefs.
- Form non- dominant groups of society.
- Resolve to maintain and reproduce their ancestral environments and systems as distinctive peoples and communities.
The 14 Naga tribes are the ancestral owners of land and its resources which is inalienable and it is well protected by Article 371(A) of the Constitution of India. The pertaining matter at present context is that the indigenous Nagas of Nagaland deserve to have significant and appreciable economythrough proper utilisation of available natural resources of our ancestral land. Our ancestral land is blessed and endowed with rich mineral resources, flora and fauna and suitable climatic condition for various cultivation. Our mineral resources are; oil, coal, precious stones, marble, ceramic, granite and lime. The suitable climatic conditions of our ancestral land is competent to cultivate various season fruits, vegetables, plants, flowers and herbs. As such, through proper utilisation of our mineral resources and cultivation of various season fruits, vegetables, plants, flowers and herbs, the indigenous inhabitants of Nagaland can make a ‘
Vibrant Nagaland’ with fantastic economy to be applauded by the people of this universe.
In the employment sector, at present Nagaland has 68, 504 educated unemployed as per December,2016 Live Register of Employment Exchange. However, the State authorities does not concern about this scenario and the person(s) in powerful chairs are appointing Non-local candidates even in those posts reserved for indigenous inhabitants of Nagaland as notified by the State Government vide Notification No. APPT- 18/6/67 dated 19.09.1987. This Notification says;
Sd/- Z. Obed, Chief Secretary, Govt. of Nagaland. In blatant violation of this existing Notification, the Police Department has appointed 239 IV grade employees from Non-local candidates to the posts of Constable, Driver, Handyman, Painter, Cook, Jugali, Barber, Cobbler. Electrician, Water Carrier. By brushing aside the unemployed indigenous inhabitants, the Police Department has brought Non-local candidates from the State of Kerala, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Nepal, West Bengal and Assam. When this matter was discussed with one senior politician and Ex- Minister, he out rightly lamented that ‘the looters and robbers are depriving and discriminating the indigenous peoples rights in Nagaland at present’. As regard to Back- Door appointment, rampant appointment is going on despite of Appointment Ban by the State Government. Kudos to ACAUT for taking up this matter before the Hon’ble High Court for proper adjudication in legal perspective.
In the economic sector, the indigenous Nagas of Nagaland should examine the Survival Mokokchung been initiating by the Ao Students’ Conference and if found practicable and reasonable the same methodology be applied in Dimapur which is regarded as commercial hub of the State and main shopping city for Manipur and parts of Assam. The shop/stall owners and keepers should be indigenous inhabitants of Nagaland in the popularly known as Hongkong Market, Hazi Park, New Market, Shangrila and so on. Are we the indigenous inhabitants not capable and competent to be shop/stall owners and keepers of those markets ?? Recently on International Yoga Day, Shri Pradip Rudy, a Union Minister came to Dimapur for launching Skill Development project in Nagaland and he expressed and assured that unemployment problem in Nagaland could ease out systematically with proper initiation of Skill Development project. Are the indigenous inhabitants of Nagaland zealous to take this golden opportunity with our desirous skills for our economic survival !!!
