Nagaland: Three tribal bodies enforce non-participation in government functions over reservation policy

DIMAPUR — Three tribal organisations—the Ao Kaketshir Mungdang (AKM), Angami Public Organisation (APO), and Lotha Hoho—have announced an indefinite non-participation in all Nagaland government programmes, including the August 15 Independence Day celebrations, in protest against the state government’s failure to address demands for reservation policy reforms.

The decision follows the August 9 unanimous resolution adopted by the 5 Tribes Committee on Review of Reservation Policy (CoRRP) and allied tribal hohos in Kohima. The bodies allege that the existing Nagaland Job Reservation Policy, in place for 48 years, has unfairly deprived so-called advanced tribes of employment opportunities.

In separate directives issued on August 13, the AKM instructed its six range students’ organisations and subordinate bodies to ensure no students or educational institutions participate in government events.

The APO called on all its constituent units, including SAPO, WAPO, CPO, NAPO, AWO, ASU, and AYO, to raise awareness and monitor compliance.

Also read: Tribes under CoRRP to abstain from Independence Day celebrations

The Lotha Hoho directed all Lotha organisations, students, and individuals to abstain from any government programmes across Nagaland. “However, all concerned are directed that all acts of resentment shall be carried out peacefully and without resorting to any act of violence,” it stated.

Meanwhile, the 5 Tribes CoRRP issued a statement on Wednesday, reiterating that the non-participation in all state government functions, “is a step further in our agitation against the unresolved issues in which the state government has remained unresponsive so far.”

The committee appreciated the five apex tribal bodies— Angami Public Organization, Ao Senden, Lotha Hoho, Rengma Hoho and Sumi Hoho— for upholding the Aug. 9 resolution and issuing coordinated circulars to their respective frontal organisations and subunits.

It also appealed to all the public, particularly the youth and students to unite and express their resentment through this movement.

Further, it urged the state government to “avoid the temptation of coercing or intimidating the leaders of CSOs and public through use of government agencies at this stage to avoid any untoward situations.”