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CNTC reiterates stand on dissociation

By Correspondent

DIMAPUR, Oct 8 - Central Nagaland Tribes Council (CNTC), comprising three tribe Hohos, namely Ao Senden, Sumi Hoho and Lotha Hoho, has firmly reiterated its stand on its disassociation from Naga Hoho on Rongmei tribe recognition as an indigenous tribe of Nagaland.

In a press release, CNTC said it was decided at a meeting with its constituent units of three tribal apex bodies recently.

The release stated that after thoroughly deliberating on the approach of the State Government and Naga Hoho on forming a committee to review the issue, it was resolved that any issue pertaining to the three tribes in general in regard to Rongmei tribe recognition will be initiated only under aegis of CNTC and not separately.

Meanwhile, claiming that the most contentious issue in public domain now is the recognition of Rongmei as indigenous tribe in Nagaland, the Council flayed CM TR Zeliang, alleging that he is �either shying away from his official responsibility to address the issue or intending to misguide the general public.�

Referring to the statement of Zeliang in the NPF seminar/workshop in Kohima recently, NTC Media Cell chairman Theja Therieh quoted the Chief Minister as saying, �Since the matter was in the court, following the case filed by ZPO, discussion in public domain was not appropriate and may seem like interfering in the court procedures.�

�Taking shelter under the Writ Petition in question by the State Government is understandable that particularly the CM wants to keep the recognition alive,� NTC said.

It stated that the petition filed by ZPO representing the native Zeliang people of the State is amply clear that it has not challenged the notification of August 4, 2012 that had given recognition to Rongmei as indigenous tribe in Nagaland.

�ZPO�s Writ Petition challenged Rongmei�s indigenous inhabitant status and the High Court had given interim orders restricting issuing of indigenous certificate to members of Rongmei community,� it said.

Since ZPO did not challenge the issue of recognition of Rongmei as indigenous tribe of Nagaland, the �question of subjudice� either to discuss it in public domain or interfering in the court procedures does not arise, it opined. Rather, the NTC said, to retain the recognition or to revoke the order lies with the State Government.

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