Dimapur, August 2 (MExN): The Rengma Hoho has appealed to Nagas to refrain from using derogatory expressions against fellow Nagas, stating that such language undermines unity and hurts the sentiments of the community.
In an appeal issued on August 2, the organisation said it was "pained to observe" that various media and digital platforms, particularly those involving Nagas in Nagaland, have seen the use of "derogatory and denigrating terms" such as "duplicate Nagas" and "kutcha Nagas" to refer to fellow Nagas from "the other side of the fence."
According to the Hoho, such expressions are hurtful and run contrary to the spirit of fraternity among the Naga people.
The organisation further maintained that the very connotation of the word "Naga" is "an inherent intellectual property right of each and every Naga, wherever he or she may be from."
It asserted that the identity of being Naga "is not the personal property of a particular country, state, tribe, clan or a village."
Appealing for greater mutual respect, the Rengma Hoho urged every Naga to refrain from attitudes that belittle fellow Nagas.
"Rather, we encourage one and all to build a sense of universal brotherhood amongst ourselves," it stated.
