Nagaland

1. The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has urged Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio to reconsider including non-Nagas as government nominees in Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).
2. NSF stressed the importance of Indigenous representation for decisions affecting citizens’ daily lives through these governance platforms.
3. The federation highlighted that ULBs are crucial for local governance and should reflect the needs and aspirations of indigenous communities.


Kohima July 30: The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has called on Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio to reconsider the proposed inclusion of non-Nagas as government nominees in Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).

The NSF emphasized that decisions impacting citizens’ daily lives are made through these platforms, which are crucial for local governance.

In a letter to the CM, the federation highlighted the need for indigenous representation, stating, “For these decisions to genuinely reflect the needs and aspirations of the people, the representatives must be closely aligned with the local indigenous communities.”

The NSF argued that Indigenous representation is essential not only for presence but also for preserving the unique identity, culture, and historical context of the Naga people.

They stressed that reservations in ULBs should be exclusively for indigenous Nagas of Nagaland to maintain the integrity and agency of the Naga people in local decision-making processes.


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The federation pointed out that including non-indigenous individuals in these reserved categories dilutes the representation of the Naga community and undermines the purpose of these reservations.

They emphasized that the Naga identity is linked to land, traditions, and self-governance, and it is crucial to preserve Naga culture and governance.

“Allowing non-indigenous individuals to occupy positions meant for Indigenous representatives poses a threat to the preservation of our unique cultural and social fabric. Our governance structures must reflect our identity and cater to the needs and aspirations of the indigenous Naga populace,” the letter stated.

While advocating for the rights and representation of indigenous Nagas, the NSF also upheld the principles of inclusivity and equality.

However, they stressed that inclusivity should not compromise the rights of the indigenous Naga people.

The federation urged the Nagaland CM to ensure that reservations within ULBs remain exclusively for indigenous Naga individuals of Nagaland, safeguarding their identity, culture, and governance.

“We trust in your commitment to uphold the democratic principles and the rights of the indigenous people of Nagaland. We look forward to your positive response and action on this matter,” they concluded.