The Nagaland Tribes Council (NTC) is constrained to issue this press statement in connection with the news item that appeared in the media dated 22nd November 2023 under the caption “CNTC and TUN to initiate move to form apex tribal body of Nagaland. The meeting reportedly was held in Kohima on 21st November 2023to establish “Nagaland Tribal Apex Body” where several Ministers and Advisors had attended.
As per the working papers and write-up available in the print and social media for that purpose, the tribal apex body under proposal will have three levels: Namely: Tier-I, which includes tribal level; Tier-II, the Central Nagaland Tribes Council (CNTC), Eastern Nagaland Peoples Organization (ENPO), Tenymi Union Nagaland (TUN); and Tier-III, State level Tribal Organization and will have representatives from all tribes of Nagaland. The proposed Apex Body is to be formed in accordance with Chapter-II; Clause 23 of the Nagaland Village & Tribal Council Act 1978 (Amendment of 2022). More so, in the proposal FOR FORMATION OF APEX COUNCIL/HOHO OF NAGALAND there is a “PREAMBLE OF UNDERSTANDING” Quote: “We the three Regional Tribal Organizations of Nagaland; CNTC, the ENPO and the TUN…” This pledge type preamble of understanding would be undertaken in accordance with Chapter-II; Clause 23 of the above mentioned Act.
The Tribal bodies under TUN are the Angami Public Organisation (APO), Chakhesang Public Organisation (CPO), Pochury HoHo, Rengma HoHo and Nagaland Zeliang People Organisation (NZPO). However, in the present structure of State Level, Tier-III under TUN category another new born Tribe “Zeliangrong Baudi” is mentioned, which means that the whole tribe of Zeliang & Rongmei of Nagaland, Manipur and Assam becomes citizens of Nagaland. Seemingly one of the hidden agendas of state government for population migration without territorial integration thus finally exposed.
The structural write-up/working paper states that, quote: “Tribal level organization or federation of tribal unions/councils is allowed under the Nagaland Village and Tribal Council Act 1978 Chapter-II Clause 23-27 of 2022 Amendment.” Some of the important tips under the proposed apex body among others comprises of Sec-26, “…Council(s) shall assist the state government and its various agencies, in maintenance of law and order in the society…” Sec-27, “It shall be legitimate for the State government to provide financial assistance or…” Sec-27A (1) “The State government may by notification in the Gazette make rules consistent with this Act…”
Meanwhile, clarification to apropos news item was issued shifting the responsibility to a particular individual through print media on 22nd November 2023 but that person holds a responsible post as that of Advisor to the Chief Minister, and that the contents of the proposed Tribal apex body formation remains the same.
It is the prerogative of the government to establish any institution and designate any name equivalent to that of public undertaking/sector. Precisely, the proposed tribal apex body will become one such branch under the government statute.
The Nagaland Tribes Council (NTC) as a civil and non-political organization has been representing as the “Tribal Apex Body for the Nagas of Nagaland” for the last eleven years. It was officially launched at the APO Hall Kohima on the 12th October 2013. It has its Constitution and its history. In fact there was a time when the whole citizens of the state of Nagaland had confronted countless anomalies and adversities. There was no proper Nagaland Tribes apex body to take care of the issues to the concerned authorities in defence of their inherent rights. The state of Nagaland was left foundling as if there was no guardian of her citizens to address the issues. The Nagaland Tribes Council (NTC) was born out of, and in the nick of such prevailing situations. “In the process, due consultations with all the Tribal HoHos in Nagaland were held separately”.
Ever since its inception, the NTC relentlessly has been attending all matters of importance concerning Nagaland tribes. In the conviction and committedness, NTC as an apex tribal organization of Nagaland will continue to remain as a watchdog confirming its objectives. Quote: “The basic aims of NTC is to uphold, promote, protect, and preserve the social fabric and the cultural heritage of its communities; to foster unity, brotherhood, and fraternity amongst the Naga people; to strife towards common goal and for the wellbeing of the Member Tribes; to extend solidarity towards the interest of each member tribe and propagate the need of peace and eschew any form of violence”.
Should there be a Nagaland Tribal Apex Body under Nagaland Village and Tribal Council Act 1978 as amended up to 2022 and function under the direction of the government, the functioning of non-political and non-governmental Organization as that of The Nagaland Tribes Council (NTC) will not be deterred howsoever. Perhaps, and admittedly NTC at its modest existence will be given a rough sailing for the incomparably handsome perks and other benefits that may be a welcome privilege for many a leaders once a probable venture is engendered.
Issued by Media Cell, NTC
