Naga Council Dimapur celebrates 75th Anniversary

Use the platform of unity & oneness to promote, to foster peace & progress, says CM
DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 2: As Naga Council Dimapur celebrated its historic milestone of 75th Anniversary on Saturday, Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio gave a clarion call to use the platform of unity and oneness to promote, to foster peace and progress.

Rio appreciated the time and efforts, their trials, problems in their journey of 75 years serving the community, embracing all communities from within and outside Nagaland.

On Naga Council’s Platinum Jubilee, the Chief Minister hoped that the NCD would keep up the spirits to continue to foster unity and oneness in their journey till they achieve the desired goal. He said as Dimapur is a miniature Nagaland or miniature India, where all communities reside.

Rio touched on the region’s strategic importance as Nagaland’s commercial district, highlighting Dimapur as the gateway to the State with its only railway station, airport and its location on the Trans-ASEAN Highway.

“We are in a strategic location and it’s going to grow”, he asserted, adding, “And to grow, we have to check our background, retrospect and to see that we move forward, progress together in oneness.” He also hoped that this legacy of unity and oneness would flourish.

Highlighting the brief history of Nagas during the British era “because British legacy is still with us”, Rio said when Britishers came to Nagaland there were no community in large groups. He said Nagas had to fight the British Army village-wise and that continued for 47 years. However, he said when Nagas made peace with the Britishers, they passed Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation Act of 1873 which protected the tradition, culture and customary laws of the Nagas.

Rio further said that when the 16-Point Agreement was signed, Naga movement for sovereignty and independence could not be achieved, but Government of India was asked to apply BEFR 1873 to Nagaland State and also the State got a special provision under Article 371 (A) protecting its unique customs and traditions.

Stating that Article 371 (A) is still a big issue and protection for Nagas, he said, “Our tradition, our culture, our customary laws could be protected till today and that’s how we showcase our rich heritages, culture, tradition”. He also said Nagaland is called the land of festivals because every tribe, every commodity celebrates their own festivals at their own location at different times.

Appreciating the tribal leaders and civil societies for really preserving, protecting the culture and traditions of the Nagas, Rio said the Government is doing what is possible to continue this because these are our strengths.

“We cannot compete with other civilized world or the mainland but our cultural traditions, rich vibrant cultures are attracting the attention of the people”, he added.

Introduction of ILP in Dimapur

The Chief Minister said that the Government wants to introduce Inner Line Permit (ILP) in Dimapur, which is in process. “But we cannot dislocate or do injustice to any Indian citizens because we are in the Indian Union. Other communities should also be included and when Nagaland was given the State, there were not only the Naga tribes of Nagaland but also the Kukis, Kacharis, Garos and Mikirs”, he added.

Stating that BEFR 1873 was not passed in London Parliament only for the Nagas, he said that at that time West Bengal was the British colonial headquarter and eastern Bengal is the present Northeast, which was given protection for all the hill tribes. He further said after the statehood of Nagaland, this Act continues in Nagaland.

“It will remain and no outsiders can come and buy our land and immovable properties”, he assured.

On the deadline for the settlers, he said that those who meet the deadline would be declared permanent residents, which means they may have properties. “We cannot disqualify them. We cannot deprive them because they will go to the Indian courts in the High Court and Supreme Court. If we do injustice, we will be embarrassed and will bring shame to our governance. And for the 4 tribes I mentioned, Kuki, Kacharis, Garo and Mikirs (Karbis), they also declared as a tribe as they have villages”, the Chief Minister explained.

On RIIN, Rio said when the State Government declared RIIN registration of indigenous inhabitants of Nagaland, it was not meant for the Nagas of Nagaland but for these 4 tribes because there are so many outside the Northeast. “That’s why the cut-off here is 1963, which should be and then they would be declared as non-Naga indigenous inhabitants of Nagaland”, he said.

However, he said there is a 1970 notification which declares Nagas would enjoy 80% reservation and 20% is open for all others. “That’s why our RIIN would not be conducted like conducting census or electoral roll”, he disclosed.

He also said permanent residents would get privileges including non-Nagas and Government would decide only after consultation with the tribal hohos and civil societies.

Rural local bodies:

The Chief Minister said that rural local bodies mean village, but Nagaland is exempted from the 73rd Amendment Panchayati Raj as Nagaland have tradition, which is called Village Council.

“We are exempted from Panchayati Raj because Panchayati Raj has election to elect Panchayat members and our system is not election but selection”, he said adding, who would represent the clan or who would be the GB would be decided by the community they belong and all the GBs and Khel representatives will select the chairman. He said if election is conducted in the village council, you would be left with the ruling and opposition, which would bring corruption.

He also requested the Village Councils to remove the name “Panchayat” from the villages wherever it is used.

ULB elections:

The Chief Minister gave credit to the civil societies, tribal hohos, community leaders and the public for the peaceful conduct of ULB elections after 22 years of struggle and requested them to respect, cooperated with the elected councilors, Municipal and Town Councils. He said funds are coming even though it is not sufficient, but the State would see that it grows from strength to strength.

Stating that there are so many organizations which are sometimes going to disturb or do duplication and overlapping, Rio said they have to be streamlined. He said since Naga Council Dimapur is one of the largest organizations and a platform for unity and oneness, he was sharing all these things.

Rio said, “In Naga issue, we are lacking solution, because we are not united”.

“It is high time we unite, our goals should be forecast, our attention should be one and I think NDC platform is a beacon of hope”, he said.

Stating that the past presidents and dear colleagues have sown the seeds of unity and wisdom, Rio said this should be a beginning to strengthen Naga Council Dimapur and also other towns or areas should also develop into a miniature Nagaland or miniature India.

The Chief Minister said all good things happen from here and all bad things also start from such places and while there is celebration, there are so many elements, anti-social elements. “We should check social levels, best practices, select the best practices of harmonious city and then set an example for the rest of the State or even into other communities”, he appealed.

Stating that Dimapur is very important, Rio said if Dimapur progress, Nagaland will progress. “If there is more division, more trouble, Nagaland would continue to suffer. So it is, it belongs to me, it belongs to you..,” he added.

He said though Dimapur district is divided to Chumoukedima and Niuland, the Government would continue to support Dimapur district and all would continue individually, collectively and would see that it become a very strong economic district.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister assured to build the office building of Naga Council Dimapur and a 6-story building for the Naga Club

He also assured to develop the DDSC Stadium with the construction of galleries and VIP Rostrum of international standard.

Guest of Honour, MLA & Advisor, Labour, Employment & Skill Development, Excise, Moatoshi Longkumer said that Naga Council Dimapur has stood at the centre of everyone’s journey, guiding and facilitating their efforts towards peace, development and most importantly, unity.

Stating that our diverse tribes, cultures and customs are our strength, he said the Naga Council has been instrumental in ensuring that this diversity is celebrated while also keeping us together as one Naga people.

“As we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Naga Council Dimapur, we must remind ourselves that unity is an ongoing journey”, he said.

Guest of Honour, MLA & Advisor, Tribal Affairs, Election, Tovihoto Ayemi said something that started 75 years ago with a bold vision in the form of Naga Council has helped Dimapur transcend into a diverse society.

He also honoured the legacy of those individuals/pioneers who started with a vision of unity in the diverse society.

“We are reminded of the selfless service of all those individuals who have been associated with the Naga Council towards fulfilling the aims and objectives of promoting peace and harmony among the people of different communities and tribes”, he added.

In his presidential address, Etsungmomo Kikon, President of NCD, highlighted the Council’s efforts toward fostering unity and peace. He highlighted the organization’s dedication to protecting the interests of Nagas, promoting peace and supporting civil welfare.

He said over the years, NCD has developed key assets, including the Naga Council plot on Nyamo Lotha Road, the Mhalie Memorial Market Complex and the New Naga Cemetery at Zani Village, provided through the support of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio in response to public needs. The NCD also honoured local organizations, such as the Ao Senso Telongjem Dimapur, which contributed to beautifying the Old Naga Cemetery, and the Lotha Baptist Church and Lotha Youth Organization for assisting with tomb construction.

The event recognized the contributions of past leaders and partners, affirming NCD’s commitment to justice, equality, and community welfare.

Kikon expressed gratitude to the Council’s affiliates, including tribal Hohos, the Naga Women Hoho Dimapur, and Dimapur Naga Students’ Union, for their role in sustaining the Council’s mission. Looking ahead, he pledged to uphold NCD’s legacy of unity and service.

Former President, Savi Liegise shared a brief history of Naga Council and also paid tribute to all the former Presidents and members of the NCD.

(Page News Service)