Dimapur, Oct 03: The Rising People’s Party (RPP) in Nagaland has called upon the state government to rescind the appointment of Abdul Kayum Talukdar as the Gaon Bura (village headman) of New Market in Dimapur. The demand comes amid controversy and allegations of his involvement in threatening Naga patta holders in Assam, which has raised concerns about his suitability for the role.
Gaon Buras play a crucial role in Nagaland as custodians of Naga customary laws and practices within their respective villages. Their role is pivotal in upholding the cultural and legal traditions of the Naga people.
The RPP’s statement strongly condemns the appointment of a person of “doubtful ancestry” as a Gaon Bura and asserts that there should be no place for a “miya” Gaon Bura in the state. The use of the term “miya” is often associated with non-indigenous individuals.
The party emphasizes the grave concern regarding illegal immigration into Nagaland, particularly by individuals referred to as IBIs (Illegal Bangladeshi Immigrants), which is viewed as a significant threat to the Naga identity. Talukdar’s appointment is seen as a direct challenge to this identity.
The RPP alleges that, unless the state government reverses his appointment, it effectively becomes complicit in facilitating illegal immigration into Nagaland. As a Gaon Bura, Talukdar holds the authority to issue Residential Proof Certificates (RPCs), raising concerns about the issuance of such certificates to individuals with questionable ancestry.
The party calls upon the Dimapur district administration to scrutinize all RPCs issued by Talukdar during his tenure and declare them null and void. It further advocates for the cancellation of subsequent documents, such as birth certificates, driving licenses, and trade licenses issued to such individuals.
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The RPP also raises questions about the authority that directed Talukdar’s appointment and demands answers from the Commissioner of Nagaland. Additionally, the party calls upon various Gaon Bura associations, which are responsible for safeguarding Naga customary laws and traditions, to expel Talukdar from their union membership and collectively request the state government to revoke his appointment.
The RPP extends its concerns beyond Nagaland and highlights the common interest of both Nagas and Karbis in addressing the issue. It criticizes the Assam government’s alleged policy of encouraging the settlement of IBIs in Nagaland’s border areas, viewing it as detrimental to both Nagas and the indigenous population of Karbi Anglong.
The party appeals to both the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) and the Nagaland government to collaborate in addressing this pressing issue before it escalates further. The RPP emphasizes that it will vigorously pursue the case until Abdul Kayum Talukdar is removed from his position as Gaon Bura.
RPP’s demand for the removal of a non-indigenous Gaon Bura underscores the broader issues of identity, cultural preservation, and the challenges posed by illegal immigration in Nagaland.
