Dimapur, October 1 (MExN): The state government acceding to the ENSF’s demand for 25% reservation is “fair and justified,” and has nothing to do with “advance tribes” and other “backward tribes” the federation says. The organization stated that “poking nose in others business” is “envious and most unfortunate.”
The ENSF in a note from its advisory board member Imli Sangtam stated that 25% reservation was exclusively accorded to the erstwhile Tuensang district comprising of the Changs, Konyaks, Yimchunger, Phom, Khiamniungan and Sangtams in 1963 “for a period of 10 years.” In 1968, Meluri, in Phek was included by a memorandum on October 7, the Chakhesangs was included in the Backward Reservation in 1977 and the Zeliang tribe’s reservation was enhanced to 8%. The Pochury tribe was included after the tribe was recognized by the Government of Nagaland through a bill in 1991. This, the advisor claimed, is “proportionate to 33% vis-à-vis 9 backward tribes from 25% and 6 tribes respectively.” “The ENSF therefore demanded for the actual 25% reservation which was earlier accorded to these 6 tribes vide no. APTT-18/6/67.”
Further, the ENSF stated that “we demand what was ours and you demand what you deserve; the government did not succumb to the pressure of our demand but the government through they review committee had after thorough survey and examinations judiciously accede to our demand”
The ENSF meanwhile conveyed condolences to those who laid down their lives for “the common cause” in Burma. The ENSF extends solidarity to the mass movement for democracy.
