Claims temporary residents are being pressured to register at current addresses despite prior enumeration in native villages
The Central Nagaland Tribes Council (CNTC) has appealed to the Nagaland Chief Secretary to intervene against what it described as “coercive” practices during the ongoing House Listing and Population Census in Kohima, alleging that temporary residents are being pressured to undergo census enumeration at their current addresses despite having already completed the process in their native districts or villages.
In an open representation addressed to the Chief Secretary, the CNTC claimed that some temporary residents were being subjected to pressure, threats and intimidation to register in Kohima and further alleged that the issuance of essential public documents and services, including ration cards and residential certificates, was being linked to census enumeration at their present place of residence.
The council termed such practices unlawful and said they were contrary to the provisions of the Census Act, 1948, as well as the constitutional rights guaranteeing citizens the freedom to move freely and reside anywhere in the country.
“Kohima is the capital of Nagaland and belongs equally to every citizen of the State,” the CNTC said, asserting that every Naga, irrespective of tribe, should be able to live, work and pursue a livelihood in the State capital without fear, intimidation or discrimination.
The council maintained that no citizen should be subjected to coercion or undue pressure during the census process and said access to essential public services and official documents should not be made conditional upon census registration at a temporary place of residence unless specifically mandated by law.
Among its demands, the CNTC urged the Chief Secretary to issue clear directions to the Kohima district administration and officials associated with the census prohibiting any form of coercion, intimidation or undue pressure during enumeration. It also called for census operations to be conducted strictly in accordance with the Census Act, 1948, and the guidelines of the Census of India.
The council further appealed to the government to ensure that the issuance of ration cards, residential certificates and other essential public documents is not made contingent upon the place of census enumeration except where required by law. It also sought a public reaffirmation that Kohima, as the State capital, belongs equally to every citizen of Nagaland and that all residents are entitled to equal protection under the law.
The CNTC said it remained committed to cooperating with the government to ensure the peaceful and lawful conduct of the census, expressing hope that prompt government intervention would address the concerns while reinforcing justice, equality and inter-tribal harmony.
