Five Naga tribes to resume protest against Nagaland's job reservation policy on July 9
A committee representing five major Naga tribes—Angami, Ao, Lotha, Rengma, and Sumi—on Thursday announced the resumption of its agitation against Nagaland's reservation policy in government employment from July 9.
The Committee on Review Reservation Policy has argued that the quota system for 11 'backward' Naga tribes, in place since 1977, no longer reflects the prevailing socio-economic and educational landscape of the region. The list includes seven tribes inhabiting eastern Nagaland.
'The protest will be for a day. We will take further steps depending on how the government responds,' said G.K. Zhimomi, member-secretary of the committee. He clarified that the committee was 'not against any tribe benefiting from the reservation policy' but maintained that 'a review of this 48-year-old policy is long overdue.'
Mr. Zhimomi said the government had failed to initiate a review in 1987 and instead issued an order in 1989 stating that the reservation would continue until further notice.
The committee had earlier served a 30-day ultimatum to the Neiphiu Rio-led government on April 26, following a memorandum submitted on September 20, 2024, seeking a revision of the quota framework. The group launched an initial phase of protest, which was suspended after Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton convened a meeting on June 3 and assured that a commission would be set up by June 17 to examine the matter.
However, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, speaking on July 2, said that the proposed commission could not be expected to deliver immediate results, describing the task as 'very detailed.' He also remarked that any significant administrative reforms, including those related to reservations or delimitation, should be undertaken only after the national Census exercise scheduled for 2027.
Unhappy with the government's position, the committee decided to relaunch its agitation.
Meanwhile, students from the backward tribes have voiced strong opposition to any potential revision, arguing that any dilution of the current policy would disproportionately harm the State's marginalised communities.
Nagaland's reservation policy, first instituted in 1967, reserves 80% of State government jobs for all indigenous Scheduled Tribes. In 1977, eleven tribes were identified as 'backward,' receiving 37% of the total reservations—25% allocated to seven eastern tribes and 12% to four tribes from other regions of the State. The same framework applies to State-run entrance examinations and educational institutions.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Indian Express
5 hours ago
- New Indian Express
Rebels' task force in Nagaland to deal with illegal immigrants
GUWAHATI: A conglomerate of rebel groups in Christian-majority Nagaland said it would not allow the establishment of any madrasas 'in the Naga-inhabited territories' and 'disband' any if in existence. Taking serious note of the 'imminent threat posed to the demographic, socio-economic and political future' of the Nagas, the Working Committee of Naga National Political Groups (WC-NNPGs) resolved to set up an 'Immigration Control Task Force' to control and regulate issues relating to illegal immigrants. The committee cited the secular nature of the co-existence of diverse communities in the Naga-inhabited areas, where people respect and promote religious tolerance, but categorically stated that this liberal approach would never be allowed to be misused to promote religious fundamentalism. 'Therefore, the Working Committee shall not allow any madrasas to be established and shall also disband any madrasas in existence, if any, in the Naga-inhabited territories,' the committee said in a statement. 'Masjids also should not be misused to foment Jihadist ideology in any manner for which the concerned Muslim Councils in Naga areas are asked to coordinate with the Task Force on related issues,' the statement said. Advocating for long-term strategic measures to tackle the issue, the committee called for the intensive identification and registration of migrants to avoid unnecessary harassment to legally settled citizens. It asked community leaders, including village authorities at the grass-root level, to extend their cooperation to the Task Force. It added that the steps being taken must not be construed as anti-Muslim agenda or against any particular religious or social groups.
News18
5 hours ago
- News18
Nagalands identity must be preserved, promoted globally: CM Neiphiu Rio
Kohima, Aug 1 (PTI) Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Friday called for renewed efforts to safeguard and globally promote Nagaland's distinct identity, protected under Article 371(A) of the Indian Constitution. Addressing a special programme titled 'Nagaland's Global Footprints: Cultural Diplomacy and International Engagements' here, Rio emphasised that Nagaland must take pride in its heritage and share its cultural richness with the world. 'This Article is our foundation. It protects our customs, our land, and our traditions. No other state in India has what we do. We must understand its value and use this privilege with purpose," Rio said, referring to Article 371(A), which grants Nagaland special autonomy over its religious, social, and customary practices, as well as land and resources. The event was organised to highlight the outcomes of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio's recent official visits to Russia and Japan from July 10 to 17 along with team of Naga artists and officials from Tourism and Industries department, where Nagaland was invited as one of six Indian states to participate in international cultural engagements facilitated by the Ministry of External Affairs. Rio shared that Nagaland's cultural troupe was specially invited to perform at the Bharat Utsav – Festival of India in Moscow, Russia, where, representing the rich heritage of the state, the performers took part in the concluding segment of the nine-day festival and received appreciation from Russian authorities. Certificates of appreciation issued by the Russian Embassy were formally handed over during the Kohima event. The chief minister noted that the performances helped build awareness and respect for the diverse traditions of Nagaland and the wider Northeast region. He added that engaging in such international events fosters soft diplomacy and opens doors to future cultural, academic, and economic exchanges. In Japan, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed with Kochi Prefecture for cooperation in key sectors such as human resource development, environmental sustainability, and healthcare. Rio announced that the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has already committed to supporting the Nagaland Institute of Medical Sciences and Research with 400 hospital beds and has offered training and employment opportunities for doctors and nurses from Nagaland in Japan. Rio also recalled the emotional significance of inaugurating the Kohima Peace Memorial in collaboration with the Government of Japan, describing it as a 'monument of reconciliation' that marks a new era of mutual respect and friendship rooted in the memory of World War II. Stressing on the necessity of showcasing Nagaland's identity and traditions on global platforms, the chief minister said, 'We must not only preserve our culture but also present it to the world with confidence". Rio underscored the success of the Hornbill Festival in unifying Nagas and attracting global attention, saying such platforms should be further strengthened. He added that showcasing indigenous crafts, traditions, and cultural performances can create livelihoods and preserve the identity of future generations. 'Our identity, culture, and traditions are not just to be preserved—they are to be shared with the world. Let us globalise the spirit of Nagaland," the chief minister said. Touching upon past injustices, Rio mentioned the presence of Naga human remains, such as skulls, stored in museums in the UK. He said efforts are being made to ensure the dignified return of these remains and to document the true history of the Naga people through collaborative research and museum projects. Rio urged policymakers, institutions, and youth to embrace a broader vision for Nagaland, one that is rooted in heritage but open to the world. 'We must grow bigger, become more visible, and internationalise the Naga identity. 'Made in Nagaland' and 'Naga Crafts' must become global brands," he said. The CM also emphasised the need for partnerships across sectors, including education, healthcare, and sustainable development, noting that international collaborations like those with Japan and Russia can help transform the state's future. Advisor to the CM and Chairman of the Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN), Abu Metha, who had also accompanied Rio to the two countries, said the visits, facilitated through invitations from the Kochi Prefectural Government in Japan and the Indian Embassy in Russia, mark a strategic step in positioning Nagaland on the global map. Metha said the tour has had a multi-dimensional impact — enhancing institutional cooperation, promoting Brand Nagaland, fostering cultural diplomacy, and creating international opportunities for Naga youth. PTI NBS NBS RG First Published: August 01, 2025, 17:00 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
RPP seeks to know status of Naga pacts from interlocutor Mishra
Dimapur: Rising People's Party (RPP) on Wednesday sought to know from the Centre's interlocutor for Naga talks, AK Mishra, the present status of the Framework Agreement signed with the NSCN-IM and the Agreed Position signed with the working committee of the Naga National Political Groups. In a release, RPP asked whether these agreements are still relevant and whether Mishra has managed to bring all the warring factions on board for a final settlement of the Naga issue. "If yes, what is the time frame for this settlement," it asked, saying these are some of the queries that he needs to answer. "Mishra's latest adventurism is akin to putting the cart before the horse," the party said. RPP also requested Mishra to take a break, "given the constant shifting of goalpost". The party stated it believed the ongoing Naga-led effort at unity should take precedence. It said before this elusive factional unity is realised, Mishra should avoid fishing in troubled waters. Further, it said, the Political Affairs Committee (PAC) constituted by the ruling coalition in Nagaland should be disbanded, saying it serves no purpose other than to peddle the propaganda that the NDPP-BJP coalition govt is doing something.
