NSCN(K) opposes DAN Govt’s move on 18th tribe status

Close on the heels of the move by the DAN government in Nagaland to accord recognition to the Mao community as scheduled tribe of Nagaland, NSCN (K) sources told this Correspondent that top leaders of the outfit were in touch with various underground outfits from Manipur to quell tension over the matter.

NSCN (K) sources told this Correspondent that underground groups in Manipur such as - KYKL, KCP, UNLF, UPPK, PREPAK and others- strongly opposed the move to accord recognition of the Mao community as the 18th tribe of the state.

They said the move should be withheld “till integration and sovereignty issues are settled with the Centre.”

It may also be recalled, that the DAN government had, prior to the February assembly election, recognized the Rongmei community as the 17th tribe of Nagaland.

Senior NSCN (K) kilonser for law and justice Kughalau Mulatonu told this Correspondent over phone that the move by the Neiphiu Rio-led government violated all terms and agreements in the creation of Nagaland statehood.

Slamming the move as “unconstitutional” Mulatonu claimed that neither the Mao nor Rongmei communities demanded recognition but it was decided “only in Rio’s chamber.”

Mulatonu claimed that the GPRN under the leadership of SS Khaplang would not allow recognition of any other tribe or community from outside Nagaland to be recognized as among the state’s tribes.

He warned that the NSCN (K) would oppose the move, tooth and nail and cautioned those who “masterminded” the move.

Mulatonu also accused chief minister Neiphiu Rio of trying to create problems when the state is already reeling with several others. He said such a move would only compound the problem in the state particularly in the job sector.

Mulatonu said that Nagaland was created with only 16 Naga communities and did not include Nagas of Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.

He said if Mao and Rongmei communities have to be recognised as tribes of Nagaland then the Manipur government should also “return the favour”.

Meanwhile, according to reports, leaders of other national political parties in Nagaland have also expressed their disenchantment over the DAN government’s move.