Calls State Government’s directive to employees a step to 'profile and segregate' Nagas
Dimapur, July 21 (MExN): The Working Committee, Naga National Political Groups (WC, NNPGs) on Tuesday said that the Nagaland government’s order directing all government employees to identify their immediate blood relations serving in various Naga political groups was “unprecedented, ominous and requires a second look.”
In a press release, the WC, NNPGs termed the order as “a slap on the face of every elite servant,” while adding that “over the decades, thousands of blood relatives of Naga revolutionaries have held Indian government jobs,” and contributed “intellectually, emotionally and economically to the Naga cause.”
“Those in power must understand that the chairs on which they sit today are sourced from Naga freedom struggle. The pillars of Nagaland state rests on the sacrifices of thousand lives,” the statement from the WC, NNPGs Media Cell stated.
Stating that the Naga sentiment and pride is hurt, it also alleged that the government of the day has proved that it is “bereft of reasoning or conscience.”
It claimed that currently with more than a lakh government employees in Nagaland, “Every single one from HoD down to grade IV employee has blood relative standing for the Naga national cause,” and questioned if there were “no men of guts and intellect to grasp the social and historical implications to advice the CM.”
It also accused the State Government of trying to “profile and segregate” Nagas and pointed out that during the 2018 elections, “The manifesto of the ruling parties clearly says all sections of Nagas have involved, suffered, given blood and tears, calling for early acceptable and honorable solution.”
“Where has this narrative vanished and why the segregation if all sections of people have contributed and suffered equally?” it questioned.
WC, NNPGs asserts that as per the order of the Nagaland Chief Secretary, the first form must be filled up by Nagaland State Cabinet, legislators and all heads of departments since all comes under the purview of the same order, the statement read.
Further, stating that the status paper on the Indo-Naga political settlement worked upon by the Government of India and WC, NNPGs “has been shared with the state government, Tribal Hohos, GBs, Civil Societies and Nagas at large,” it said that the State Government’s order to identify Naga national workers through their relatives serving the state government “is not a necessary step.”
It alleged that the government is trying to “stigmatise national workers and their relatives” and said that “if there is an embezzlement of public wealth... The chief secretary could easily identify the cash cows from small home sparrows in all ministries and departments.”
The WC, NNPGs meanwhile addressed Nagas employed in the State Government, stating that “Our history and blood sacrifices cannot be hidden even while serving in Indian offices. Indian government offices are still a poor substitute to our powerful identity as a nation and people.”
