The Rising People’s Party (RPP) has recently submitted a representation to the Chief Minister of Nagaland, raising concerns over the nomination of non-Nagas to the Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) and the appointment of a new Gaon Bura (GB) for New Market, Dimapur. This move has sparked intense debate within the state, highlighting the delicate balance between inclusivity and indigenous rights.
The RPP has expressed its support for the Naga student community, which has criticized the proposed nomination of two individuals from the Muslim and Gorkha communities to the DMC. The party strongly opposes the recommendation letters by Advisors Zhaleo Rio and Tovihoto Ayemi, arguing that any nominations should be from within the indigenous tribal community of Nagaland.
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Nagaland is home to various indigenous tribes beyond the Naga community, including Kukis, Garos, and Kacharis. The RPP emphasizes that any appointments or nominations should prioritize these indigenous groups to maintain their cultural and social integrity.
On the matter of appointing a new GB for New Market, which was tragically left vacant after the previous GB’s murder in June this year, the RPP has urged the PDA government to desist from appointing non-Nagas. The party argues that playing appeasement politics could compromise the future of indigenous tribals due to unchecked mass immigration of aliens.
Moreover, the RPP has appealed to the state government to issue a fresh notification regarding GB appointments. The current notification issued in 2010 is deemed vague and full of loopholes, allowing unscrupulous officers to appoint individuals of doubtful ancestry. The RPP advocates for incorporating the line “A person seeking appointment to the post of GB must be an INDIGENOUS TRIBAL citizen of the state” in any new notification.
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For non-Naga non-tribal inhabitants in urban areas, the party suggests using alternative nomenclatures such as “Representatives” instead of GB.
The Rising People’s Party’s stance reflects a broader concern about preserving cultural identity amidst growing diversity in Nagaland. By advocating for clear guidelines on appointments and nominations, they aim to protect the rights and traditions of indigenous communities.
