T. L. Angami
GB Razhuphe Village, Dimapur
It is noticed that recently many articles are appearing in the local dailies opposing the recognition of Rongmei tribe on the ground that they are not indigenous inhabitants of Nagaland state. The opposition to the Rongmei tribe is entirely on the premise that they are not inhabitants of the state of Nagaland. The relevant question, therefore, is whether the state of Nagaland have a settled legal boundary. If so, where does the boundary of Nagaland begins and where it ends? It may be noted by all concern that there is ongoing legal battle in the honorable Supreme Court of India on the issue of Border with the state of Assam. Thus, the NTC and the ZPO ought to be aware that to speak of Nagas of Nagaland is premature and likely to be sub judice. We should not forget that we were brought under Indian Union under the Nine point agreement and Nagaland became a state under the Sixteen point agreement. According to this two agreements all the Naga inhabited areas are to be amalgamated under one administrative unit.
In the view of the above stated facts of history it will be wrong to assume that there is a legally settled boundary for the state of Nagaland and that such a boundary exists apart from the Naga issue. Therefore, let us not play into the hands of our adversary whose only interest is to divide and rule the Nagas. On the other hand, let us all be united as Nagas, wherever we are.
God bless Nagaland.
