It goes without a hint of doubt that the indigenous Rongmei community is an integral part of Nagaland. For which, one can reflect back from the previous census of Nagaland before statehood. On the contrary, no one can deny that Rongmei community is still deprived in their own land till date.
To begin with, let me draw a few incidents of Rongmei situation in Nagaland. Firstly, Miss Rachunlu d/o GG Kamei passed out her NCS examination in the year 2005 under Nagaland Public Service Commission (NPSC). But it was unfortunate that she was not allowed to hold the post for which she got through. How and why was she denied even after getting through her civil exam? Like her there are many other Rongmeis who were deprived and many more are yet to be deprived. Secondly, Rongmei tribe is not yet enlisted in the Nagaland state tribe list.
To make myself clear, Nagaland constitution has mentioned clearly that any community which resided in Nagaland before Nagaland’s statehood is an indigenous people. Then why is Rongmei not yet enlisted into the state tribal list even when the non-Naga tribe – Kuki tribe – has been enlisted as “Zeliang-Kuki”? I think Rongmei community too has the same right i.e. “indigenous rights” like that of any other Naga tribes. But still, this community is deprived of any scheme and development aspect of Nagaland government.
To drive the point home, let me highlight some facts of Rongmeis in the Indian context. The so-called Rongmei tribe was enlisted into the Scheduled Tribe list of India as “Kabui-Naga” whereas the other Naga tribes were registered under a common name as “Naga” excluding their own tribes’ names. Hence, Rongmeis enjoy every special package which is meant for the tribal people like the other tribes of India. Then, how and why does the government of Nagaland remain silent or close its eyes when even the whole country acknowledges and recognizes Rongmei as a tribe? So, should the Rongmei people become Indians first and Nagas second?
Hence, it is my obligation to request to all the right thinkers, social leaders and social workers as well as to all my other Naga brethren to contribute their genuine support towards the Rongmei community to enlist Rongmei into the state tribe list in Nagaland for peace and prosperity of Nagas in general.
Romeo Gangmei
Social Worker, Dimapur
