“The recent decision by the Arunachal Pradesh government to remove the Naga name from official usage in the state is a direct violation of the cultural heritage and historical identity of the Naga people residing in the districts of Tirap, Changlang, and Longding (TCL). This decision not only disregards the inalienable rights of the Naga community but also contradicts the fundamental principles enshrined in the Constitution of India, which guarantees the protection of cultural and linguistic diversity.
Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution of India guarantees the right to freedom of speech and expression, which includes the right to express and preserve one’s cultural identity. Furthermore, Article 29 provides for the protection of the interests of minorities by ensuring their right to conserve their distinct language, script, or culture. By removing the Naga name from official usage, the Arunachal Pradesh government is disregarding these constitutional protections and denying the Naga community their right to identity and cultural preservation.
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The decision also violates Article 14, which guarantees equality before the law and equal protection of the laws to every citizen of India. The removal of the Naga name specifically targets a particular community and denies them the right to use their traditional names, creating an atmosphere of discrimination. This action is inconsistent with the principles of equality and non-discrimination that form the core of our democratic framework.
Meanwhile, the inability of elected Naga representatives to effectively address these issues and uphold the rights of the Naga people further compounds the problem. The removal of the Naga name exacerbates these issues by stripping away their cultural identity, making it even more challenging to address the community’s concerns and aspirations.
It is worth recalling that the creation of a Patkai Autonomous Council for the TCL areas, as previously proposed by the government in 2004 under the leadership of former Home Minister Mr. James Wanglat, is a step in the right direction for addressing the aspirations of the Naga people. Such a council would align with the provisions under the competencies of the ongoing political negotiations between the GoI and the Naga people, which would safeguard the rights and interests of tribal Naga populations. This would further enable the Naga community to govern themselves, preserve their identity, and promote the development of their areas in accordance with their cultural values.
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We earnestly appeal to the Arunachal Pradesh government to reconsider its decision in light of constitutional protections and the need to uphold the principles of justice and equality. This decision not only violates the fundamental rights of the Naga people but also risks alienating a significant section of the population. Reversing this decision would demonstrate the government’s commitment to upholding the constitutional values of diversity, inclusivity, and respect for all communities.
In conclusion, the decision to remove the Naga name is a violation of the constitutional principles that protect the identity and rights of the Naga people. It disregards the rich cultural heritage of the community and undermines their rightful place within Arunachal Pradesh. We urge the state government to respect the identity and aspirations of the Naga people and to work towards solutions that promote just peace and respectful coexistence among the indigenous people in Arunachal Pradesh.”
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(This is a press statement issued by Global Naga Forum on October 14, 2024)
(This is not a Ukhrul Times publication. UT is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any reports or views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of Ukhrul Times.)
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