Mokokchung, 24 November (MTNews): The Nagaland Tribes Council (NTC) on Friday issued a press statement in response to the news report that appeared in the media dated 22nd November 2023 under the caption “CNTC and TUN to initiate move to form apex tribal body of Nagaland.”
The proposal, discussed in a meeting held in Kohima on 21 November 2023, aims to create a three-tiered tribal organization as per the provisions of the Nagaland Village & Tribal Council Act 1978 (Amendment of 2022).
The NTC expressed concerns about the proposed structure, particularly highlighting the inclusion of a new tribe, “Zeliangrong Baudi,” under the TUN category, which implies citizenship for the entire Zeliang and Rongmei tribes of Nagaland, Manipur, and Assam. The NTC suggests this inclusion may reveal hidden agendas related to “population migration without territorial integration.”
The NTC emphasized that while the government has the prerogative to establish institutions, the NTC has been serving as the “Tribal Apex Body for the Nagas of Nagaland” for the past eleven years. The NTC, being a civil and non-political organization, was officially launched in October 2013 to address the issues faced by the citizens of Nagaland, fostering unity, brotherhood, and fraternity amongst the Naga people, it said.
The NTC reaffirmed its commitment to upholding, promoting, protecting, and preserving the social fabric and cultural heritage of Nagaland’s communities. It pledged to continue fostering unity among Naga people and working towards common goals for the well-being of its member tribes.
While acknowledging the government’s authority to establish institutions, the NTC asserted that its non-political and non-governmental role will persist, even in the face of potential challenges. The statement concludes with a commitment to navigate any obstacles that may arise and maintain its objectives for the benefit of Nagaland’s tribal communities.