Removal of Naga official name in Arunachal, GNF strongly opposed
Kohima: The Global Naga Forum (GNF) has expressed strong disapproval of the Arunachal Pradesh government’s recent decision to remove the Naga name from official usage in the state. In a statement released today, the Forum condemned the move as a violation of the cultural heritage and historical identity of the Naga community residing in the Tirap, Changlang, and Longding (TCL) districts.
The Forum emphasized that this decision not only undermines the inalienable rights of the Naga people but also contradicts the Constitution of India’s protections for cultural and linguistic diversity.
It cited Article 19(1)(a), which guarantees the right to freedom of speech and expression, including the right to preserve cultural identity, and Article 29, which safeguards minority communities’ rights to conserve their language, script, and culture.
According to the Forum, by removing the Naga name from official use, the Arunachal Pradesh government is neglecting these constitutional provisions and impeding the Naga community’s right to identity and cultural preservation.
The Forum further argued that the decision contravenes Article 14, which assures equality before the law and equal protection under the law for all citizens.
They claim that this action specifically targets the Naga community, creating a discriminatory environment that threatens the principles of equality and non-discrimination central to India’s democratic framework.
The statement also criticized the lack of action from elected Naga representatives in addressing this issue, suggesting that their inaction exacerbates the alienation felt by the Naga community.
The Forum contended that stripping the Naga people of their cultural identity not only marginalizes them but also poses significant obstacles in addressing their concerns and aspirations.
Referencing a past proposal from 2004, the Global Naga Forum highlighted the Patkai Autonomous Council, which was suggested by former Home Minister Mr. James Wanglat as a step toward self-governance for the TCL regions.
They argued that establishing such a council aligns with ongoing political negotiations between the Government of India and the Naga people, serving to protect tribal rights and enable the community to preserve their identity and drive local development in alignment with their cultural values.
The Global Naga Forum called upon the Arunachal Pradesh government to reconsider its decision, emphasizing that it disregards the rights of the Naga community and could lead to increased alienation among indigenous populations.
Reversing the decision, they argued, would demonstrate a commitment to upholding the constitutional values of inclusivity, diversity, and mutual respect.
The statement underscored the importance of respecting the identity and aspirations of the Naga people and urged the government to seek solutions that foster peace and respectful coexistence among Arunachal Pradesh’s indigenous communities.
