In a united stance aimed at preserving the principles of equality and meritocracy, the Ao Senden and the Sümi Hoho express deep concern over recent statements made by Dr. Kekhrielhoutuo Yhome, the School Education Advisor. Dr. Yhome’s remarks, which propose a ten-year ban on recruiting Ao and Sumi tribe members as government primary teachers based on linguistic grounds, have sparked outrage within the community.
This discriminatory proposal raises serious constitutional and ethical questions. Nowhere in the Indian Constitution is an Advisor empowered to make decisions that disproportionately affect specific tribal communities’ employment opportunities. Such actions not only undermine the principles of equality enshrined in our constitution but also perpetuate division within our society.
We call upon the Nagaland government to clarify whether Dr. Yhome’s statement represents official policy. If so, the government must provide a transparent explanation for such a discriminatory policy. However, if it does not reflect government policy, then Dr. Yhome should publicly retract his statement. His biased remarks not only sow division but also undermine the credibility of the education department, a department vital for shaping our future generation.
We condemn Dr. Yhome’s persistence in justifying and reiterating his statement despite the widespread condemnation from student organizations and the affected tribal communities. The Ao Senden and the Sümi Hoho firmly endorse the press statement issued by the Central Nagaland Students’ Association (CNSA), Ao Kaketshir Mungdang (AKM), and Sümi Kiphimi Küqhakulu (SKK).
It is imperative to acknowledge the significant contributions of the Ao and Sumi tribes to Nagaland’s educational landscape. The Sumi tribe, with its vast number of villages spanning seven districts, and the Ao tribe, being one of the major tribes with a sizable population and willing to go and serve in any parts of the state, have undoubtedly contributed substantially to the teaching profession in government primary schools across the state.
We urge legislators representing the Ao and Sumi tribes to swiftly address this issue and clarify whether Dr. Yhome’s statement reflects government policy or his personal opinion. As representatives of the Ao and Sumi populace, it is your duty to safeguard the rights and opportunities of the people you serve. We hold the legislators of the Ao and Sumi tribes accountable for any adverse effects resulting from the unjust denial of employment opportunities for our qualified and deserving youth.
Signed by:
Chubawati Longchar,
President, Ao Senden
I. Nikheto Jimomi,
President, Sumi Hoho