Mokokchung, 02 October (MTNews): In a developing controversy, the Rising People’s Party (RPP) has raised serious objections to the appointment of Abdul Kayum Talukdar as Gaonburah (GB) of New Market, Dimapur. The RPP alleged that Talukdar’s appointment is marred by doubts regarding his indigenous status and ancestry, and demanded its immediate reversal.
In a hard-hitting press statement, a copy of which was received here, the RPP said there can be no ‘miya’ GB in the state and stated that it will “leave no stone unturned to pursue the case till Talukdar is removed as GB.”
“That a non-indigenous person of doubtful ancestry can be appointed as a GB is nothing short of outrage,” the RPP maintained.
The RPP demanded that the state government should immediately revoke the appointment of Abdul Kayum Talukdar as GB of New Market, Dimapur, who is “now in the eye of a storm for his alleged involvement in an issue where Naga patta holders were apparently threatened in Assam.” The RPP stated that his appointment as GB of New Market, Dimapur “is illegal and an insult to all Nagas.”
The RPP’s stance is rooted in concerns over the impact of such appointments on the identity and immigration challenges faced by the state of Nagaland.
“At a time when illegal immigration of IBIs into the state is a time bomb posing the greatest threat to Naga identity, that Talukdars could be conferred GBship is a direct threat to Nagas’ identity,” the RPP said.
The RPP also said, “Unless the state government revokes his appointment, it can be safely assumed that the government is directly responsible for facilitating illegal immigration into the state.”
At the heart of the controversy lies the authority vested in GBs to issue Residential Proof Certificates (RPCs). The RPP argued that Talukdar’s exercise of this power may be contributing to the issue of illegal immigration, a problem that has been a growing concern for Nagaland.
“As a GB, Talukdar is empowered to issue Residential Proof Certificates (RPC) and it’s everyone’s guess as to how many RPCs he may have issued thus far to people of doubtful ancestry,” the regional party said.
To address the situation, the RPP has called upon the Dimapur district administration to conduct a thorough review of all RPCs issued by Talukdar during his tenure as GB. The party further demanded that these RPCs be declared null and void, and that related documents, including birth certificates, driving licenses, and trade licenses issued based on these RPCs, be canceled immediately.
Questions have also arisen regarding the appointment process itself, with the RPP seeking answers from the Commissioner of Nagaland about the authority responsible for the appointment of Talukdar as GB. “The question in everyone’s mind is who or which authority directed the appointment of Talukdar?” RPP asked. The RPP further demanded that the Commissioner, Nagaland, should furnish answers to the Naga people.
Furthermore, the RPP has urged various GB associations, which are traditionally regarded as custodians of Naga customary laws and traditions, to remove Talukdar from their union membership.
“In the meantime, the various GB associations – the custodians of Naga customary laws and tradition, should remove Talukdar from their union membership, and also prevail upon the state government to revoke his appointment,” the RPP said.
In a broader context, the RPP also highlighted the shared concerns of both Nagas and Karbis, emphasizing the need for unity in the face of what they alleged as the Assam government’s policy of encouraging the settlement of Illegal Bangladeshi Immigrants (IBIs) in Nagaland’s border areas.
“The people of Karbi Anglong should also realize that both Nagas and Karbis have a COMMON ENEMY. The Assam government’s insidious policy of pushing and encouraging settlement of IBIs in Nagaland border areas is not only detrimental to the Nagas but the indigenous population of Karbi Anglong as well,” the RPP said.
The party also appealed to the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) and the Nagaland government to “jointly tackle the issue before it’s too late.”
There can be no compromise on this issue. The RPP, as a regional party formed to protect the interests of Nagaland will leave no stone unturned to pursue the case till Talukdar is removed as GB.
Emphasizing its resolute commitment to pursue the case until Abdul Kayum Talukdar is removed from his position as GB of New Market, Dimapur, RPP declared that there can be no compromise on this issue.
“The RPP, as a regional party formed to protect the interests of Nagaland will leave no stone unturned to pursue the case till Talukdar is removed as GB,” it avowed.
This controversy brings to the forefront the complex issues of identity, immigration, and governance, which continue to challenge the region and demand immediate attention.