In a democratic set up country like India every individual, groups, civil societies, etc have the right to express its grievance or protest. Yet, the most important thing to remember is whether our protest/demand is genuine, righteous and justified. Therefore, at this juncture of upheaval it is imperative that one needs to know the bottom line and accept the reality.
1. Within Kohima District there are seven constituencies out of which one belongs to the Rengma Tribe five to the Angami Tribe and one in the State Capital which can be anybody’s game.
2. Under the banner of Rengma Hoho on 27th March 2007 a bandh was called within its territory demanding for creation of two assembly constituencies. In this regard, being a concerned citizen of the Nagas I for one am very confused i.e. whether the Rengma people are demanding that the working paper–I be implemented based on 2001 census or do they want an extra seat on the working paper–III to VI for marginal readjustment of assembly constituencies within the district. However, in both ways it may not be possible on the part of the Angamis to part away it’s a/C since each constituency meets the required population.
3. Apart from Kohima Village, the biggest village among the Angami areas are 1. Viswema 2. Jakhama 3. Jotsoma 4. Khonoma 5. Nerhema 6. Chiechama. However, to my surprise Tesophenyu Village has outnumbered all these big villages in population and is next to the biggest village in Asia i.e. Kohima Village. During 2001 census the population of Tesophenyu was 11,144 and the number of houses was 796. Therefore, the ratio is 14 persons per household. On the other hand, population of Kohima Village as on 2001 census is 12,436 and the no. of houses is 2306, therefore the ratio is 5 persons per household. Basically, if the ratio is to be viewed from that of Tesophenyu the population of Kohima Village will be 32,284 which even excess of one constituency.
4. Further, I strongly feel that house tax and census are inseparable. For if population increases naturally, no. of houses will increase and vice versa if no. of houses increase population will increase too. Here are some facts and figures of house tax and population.
Tesophenyu Village 12 Villages of
Western Angami
Year House Tax Population House Tax Population
2001 796 11,144 2609 14,836
2002 796 2641
2003 806 2620
2004 832 2646
2005 965 2662
2006 1061 2695
2007 1061 2765
a) As on 2001, the difference of house tax – 1,813.
b) As on 2001 census, the difference of population – 3,692.
5. Apparently we Nagas are fighting among ourselves over the 60 seats in the legislature. But to me this has no logic; moreover, it is not justified for the 2001 census is full of manipulation which no one can deny.
a) Abnormal population growth.
b) The population growth rate in some rural areas are much more higher than the urban areas, whereas all sensible persons are aware that floatation of rural people to urban places are more vigorous than ever before.
c) Through manipulation and treachery way back in 1973 one seat has been taken away from the Phek District and today under any circumstances I believe they may not concede to lose another seat again.
d) Centre is not willing to increase assembly seat till 2026.
Therefore, the best solution for us at this moment is to accept the reality and maintain Status Quo with marginal readjustment within each district. For two wrongful deeds does not make a right.
Neivor Rutsa
Kohima Village
