Of late, Delimitation issue has become a burning topic which is shaking every nook and corner of the state like an earthquake, where every right thinking citizen is expressing his/her conflicting views and opinions to justify their points. It appears that a power struggle is going on between the two warring faction for quite sometime with no sign of any breakthrough with both parties sticking to their earlier stands.
It is observed that the main objective of delimitation is to do away the irregularities/disparities in representation in the past or to check any discrepancies prevailing and to bring about justice and equality in the State. Keeping in view the above points, Delimitation commission was formed as per the Act.02 for delimitation of all A/C based on 2001 census. But much to the dismay of the aggrieved tribes/Districts, the State Govt. is opposing the proposal tooth & nail and manipulated the whole system with whatever resources available by influencing the commission to maintain status-quo, thus suppressed the very purpose of Delimitation Act. The State Government’s stand on exemption from the preview on the ground of Act.371 (a), ongoing Peace Talk and other lame excuses are baseless & unrealistic and nothing but just to mislead/ brainwash the Commission since these are totally irrelevant & nothing to do with Delimitation issue. Thus the true spirit of democracy is nothing but a mockery at the hand of selfish Nagas politicians and Bureaucrats. Never before are Nagas so united against any particular issues but to our surprise this time, across party line, boundary, tribes who have already benefited are united to protect their interest and are trying to humiliate the deprived tribes/Districts. This may be a major victory for the Govt. but the genuine demands of the deprived tribes will continue till amicable solutions are made. It is interesting to note that not a single member of the commission is from the effected tribe which shows that there is deep conspiracy existing among the privileged tribes.
Instead of accommodating the genuine demand of the aggrieved parties, the Govt. has prepared new draft proposal for minor readjustment within the dist. Without consulting the public thus adding fuel to the fire. The present proposal is just a white wash of the govt. and to divert the attention of the public from the main issue. For example, in the new arrangement, the whole of EAC Champang circle under 40th bhandari A/C which is located in Assam-Nagaland border is bifurcated and adjusted to 39 A/C of Middle range. This being a compact area having ancestral affinity, geographical unity, and social understanding etc have no justification to do so as the present arrangement is topographically, geographically & administratively irrelevant.
It is evident from the fact that the new arrangements were made by individuals with vested interest and ulterior motive without consulting the public. In no way the present arrangement has been accepted by the public of the A/C. Our demand is clear whether to give us our entitlement or totally give up the idea of readjustment.
In a democratic country like ours, public representative are not supposed to keep silent when the public are crying for justice they should be accountable to the public and the wishes and interest of the public should not be neglected. They should have courage to speak out the truth as their voice is the voice of the people. Let the public decides their fate.
While appreciating and supporting the demand of the Lotha Hoho and other tribal Hohos for demanding full implementation of delimitation act, we urge the concern authorities not to set aside the imminent danger due to the proposed readjustment which will effect the whole population.
Limathung, Ren Lotha, Benathung, Alex Lotha
