DIMAPUR, JAN 27 (MExN): Assuring minorities in Nagaland protection of their rights, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today gave surety that he would look into their ‘grievances.’ He insisted that the DAN government is committed to helping “backward tribes and minorities.”
Attending the Bishu Festival at Bamunpukhuri –II, Dimapur, Rio said he would do ‘how much I can’ for the welfare of the Dimasa.
He was replying to grievances put up by the President of the Dimasa Tribal Council, SK Khemprai, on behalf of the Dimasa public. The requirements highlighted by Khemprai include reservation of a seat in the legislative assembly for minorities, especially when the delimitation process is threatening to ‘fragment’ the minorities further. A fervent want of the Dimasas, also referred to as Kacharis, is removal of insecurity in respect of lands, villages and employment opportunities. Yet another demand which has been underscored time and again is land for a cultural and council hall at the Rajbari Area because of its historical linkage to the tribe of Indo-Tibetan lineage.
Rio, however, was candid to the point that reservation of an assembly seat for minorities would prove to be difficult as ‘this is a democracy’ and that a ‘democratic process’ has to be followed. Out of the 60 seats, 59 are reserved for Nagas with only the Dimapur-I constituency open for all. Instead, the Chief Minister proposed: “We have to understand each other.” Calling for cohesive existence among the many communities, he told the Kacharis that he is aware of their “problems and insecurity.”
Minister for Transport and Communication, Imtilemba Sangtam, who was present as guest of honour urged upon the tribe to not hesitate in addressing their grievances to the government and called for selection of strong public leaders to highlight their needs.
