The erstwhile Naga Hills in the District of Assam had three Bench Courts. They were located at Wokha, Tseminyu and Zunheboto. Each of them was headed by the first matriculate in their Tribe as chairman. Shri Ncheno Kinghen at Wokha, Shri P. Sentsi at Tseminyu and Shri Zukeshe at Zunheboto. When Nagaland was made the 16th State of India, three Districts - Kohima, Mokokchung and Tuensang were created. Consequently, Bench Courts at Wokha and Zunheboto were upgraded to District Courts whereas Tseminyu was left out.
Today, Nagaland has 11 Districts. The land of ours called “Nagaland” has progressed from 3 to 6 and to 11 Districts as of now. In the British era in India, there were only five recognized Tribes such as Ao, Angami, Sema, Lotha and Rengma. Today, the number of tribes has grown significantly . Earlier, there were few sub-divisions which were upgraded to districts, but Tseminyu sud-division still remains intact as the same old sub-division. In fact, as seems to be the natural progression, people of different communities demand up-gradation from Colonies to Village, from Village to Township, Town to Cities, sub-divisions to district, districts to union territories, Union Territories to state and to nation.
In the political history of the Rengmas, the Rengmas had two interim body members as a tribe but this was taken away when the Nagaland State Legislative assembly was formally implemented. There is no reason as to why the seats of Shri Riga Thong and Shri Lothi Rengma were not retained in the Nagaland State Legislative Assembly. This too when the Rengma population is triple to many constituencies in the state.
As a member of the Rengma community, I speak out for prosperity and development for the Rengmas in particular and the Nagas in general. All tribes need to have equal representation and opportunities to forge ahead. Administrative boundaries need to be realistic and in line with the population for proper implementation of development work and progress. I sincerely believe the good old nature of our Nagas will not suppress any Naga tribe but uphold and safeguard the welfare of the Naga community. It is my personal belief that we must be fair to each other or issues like the Eastern Nagas feeling of neglect and will only spread to other neglected tribes. ignore the scenario cited above but will deliver justice by restoring a District to the Rengmas and also atleast two MLA seats for future posterity.
Khentsu Lorin
Rtrd. S.I.S. Tseminyu Town
