New Delhi: A consultative meeting was held on June 14 in Delhi, presided over by the newly elected Tangkhul Naga Long President Sword Vashum.
The meeting brought together prominent Tangkhul elders and representatives from various Tangkhul organizations, including Tangkhul Katamnao Long Delhi, Tangkhul Scholars Association, Tangkhul Naga Society Delhi, and TNSLD, to discuss pressing issues affecting the Tangkhul community.
The attendees delved into a wide range of topics, from the justice dispensation system and legal frameworks to education, health, and social welfare. Particular emphasis was placed on the distribution and utilization of government funds in the hill districts, especially Ukhrul and Kamjong.
The Tangkhul legal system was another significant topic. The participants deliberated the need for greater awareness of justice dispensation among the people. It was advised that village administrations should focus on development, while legal cases should be handled by the government. The question of whether “Tangkhul jurisprudence is different from the rest of the world” was also raised. TNL President Sword Vashum remarked, “Khalãngshim lei phalungra,” emphasizing the uniqueness of the Tangkhul legal system. The participants opinioned that it will be great service for Tangkhul tribe if Sword Vashum during his tenure as TNL President could standardise Tangkhul grammar.
The meeting discussion also focused on the crucial role of educational institutions in shaping the Tangkhul Naga community. The participants also touched upon the plight of young educated Tangkhul youth who are compelled to live a life of exile since there are no established institutions where they can work and implement their skills, knowledge and expertise.
Among the many topics discussed, construction of the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) office hampered by a severe shortage of funds was touched upon. Despite the 15th Finance Commission’s grants for local rural bodies, the government has not released the allotted funds, while urban bodies have already received at least two installments. This disparity has left institutions in rural districts struggling to survive.
In the meeting, concerns were also raised about rampant, organized corruption by public officials hence, the need for awareness drives to help the public access government social welfare schemes. It was suggested that such initiatives could significantly benefit the Tangkhul tribe.
Mr. Vashum also highlighted an issue with community members not respecting his office hours, often seeking help outside of working hours. He stressed that pressure groups are crucial for driving positive changes in the community.
The meeting briefly touched on the topics of delimitation and census, discussing their potential impacts on the community.
The meeting concluded with a resolution to address these community issues pragmatically, and a call for TNL to develop a self-sustaining system, free from external patronage, to maintain its autonomy. This, it was argued, would enable the Tangkhul community to aspire to a fair and just society.