Naga Hoho Writes to CM to Re-examine Granting of Indigenous Naga Tribe to Rongmeis

Hon’ble Sir,
The granting of Indigenous Naga Tribe to Rongmei community by the Government of Nagaland has resulted in tremendous amount of resentments amongst a cross section of Naga society. As a responsible organization representing the Nagas, the Naga Hoho cannot remain a mute spectator to the kind of upheavals that the Naga society is experiencing today. We are therefore presenting this memorandum soliciting the most serious of attention of your kind self.

As you may be kindly aware, the Govt of Nagaland sought the views and opinions of Naga Hoho Vide its letter No.GAB-10/1/77(Pt) Dated-8th July, 2008, pertaining to the granting of Indigenous Naga tribe status to Rongmei community settled in Nagaland prior to 1963. Subsequently, the Naga Hoho conveyed the decision made at the Presidential Council meeting held on 5th September, 2008, on the above matter to the Govt of Nagaland Vide our letter No .NH/Corr/2008-11 Dated-22nd Sept. 2008. The collective view of the Naga Hoho was in favour of granting of Indigenous Naga inhabitant status to Rongmei community settled in the state prior to the formation of Nagaland state as enjoyed by Kukis, Garos and Kacharis in accordance with the Government

Notification No.AR-8/76 Dated-the 28th April, 1977. Over and above, Naga Hoho opined in the same letter that the Committee should examine with all seriousness

In regards to conduct of enumeration and to include only the eligible Rongmei community so as to avoid communal misgivings in future.

However, you may have noted that there is hue and cry among different sections of the Naga society over the cabinet decision to grant recognition to Rongmei tribe as a Naga Tribe in 2012 and the subsequent Government Notification in August, 2012 to this effect. Naga Hoho is being hauled up and alleged that the Government have taken such decision on being “endorsed” by Naga Hoho. It may also be mentioned here that despite of our repeated clarifications through media and various platforms, the letter written to the Government in 2008 and the position of the Naga Hoho is being misconstrued which is uncalled for.

Under such circumstances, the Naga Hoho fervently appeal to your competent authority to take stock of the volatile situation, keeping in mind that any such issues should not jeopardize the unity of Naga family at this crucial juncture, we urge your competent authority to re-examine the decision of state Government through the constituted cabinet sub-committee on Rongmei issue in depth and find out the solution in consultation with all stake holders/ Tribal Hohos at the earliest.

Yours Sincerely,
P.CHUBA OZUKUM
President;
MUTSIKHOYU YHOBU
General Secretary