Five major tribal bodies in Nagaland — Angami, Ao, Lotha, Rengma, and Sumi — under the banner of the 5 Tribes Committee on Review of Reservation Policy have announced their decision to launch a phase-wise peaceful protest against the State Government’s inaction on reviewing the existing reservation policy.
The decision was taken during a meeting convened on Saturday at the CPO Hall in Chümoukedima, following the expiration of a 30-day ultimatum submitted to the government on April 26, 2024, which is set to lapse on May 26. Prior to this, the committee had also submitted a detailed representation on September 20, 2023, demanding a comprehensive review of the reservation policy.
Speaking to the press, GK Zhimomi, Secretary of the Committee, said, “The reservation policy in Nagaland was first implemented in 1977 with a validity of ten years. However, even though no review was carried out in 1987, the state government issued an order in 1989 stating that the resolution would continue until further notice — and it has remained in effect for the last 48 years without revision.”
He further stated that the Sumi bodies have submitted numerous memorandums over the years, raising key concerns on internal reservation, duration of the policy, multiple beneficiaries, and the issue of creamy layers. “Despite repeated submissions, the government has chosen to remain silent,” he said.
In view of the lack of response, the Committee resolved to initiate a phase-wise agitation to press the government into action. “We have decided to carry out peaceful protests to ensure our demands are met,” Zhimomi added.