A significant closed-door consultative meeting took place on Friday, March 8, at the Tourist Lodge in Dimapur, Nagaland. The three-hour-long session brought together the Presidents and General Secretaries of the eight Tribal Hohos of Nagaland. The primary focus of the meeting was the discussion on the formation of a unified Nagaland tribal body.
The apex tribal bodies represented at the meeting included the Angami Public Organisation, Ao Senden, Chakhesang Public Organisation, Lotha Hoho, Pochury Hoho, Rengma Hoho, Sümi Hoho, and Nagaland Zeliang People’s Organisation. The President and Office Bearers of Nagaland Tribes Council also participated in the deliberations.
Razouvatuo Chatsu and Dr. Vihuto Asumi, the sessional chairman and sessional secretary of the eight Tribal Hohos of Nagaland, respectively, called for the meeting. Although the exact outcomes and specifics of the meeting have not been disclosed, it is known that the discussions revolved around the formation of a unified Nagaland Tribal Body.
Participants at the meeting refrained from providing detailed comments to the media, but sparse details were gathered during breaks and after the meeting.
G.H. Ramlia, advisor to Nagaland Zeliang People’s Organisation (NZPO), stated, “We are promoting to organize a unified Naga civil society body, one body.” He clarified that, for now, it will involve only the Nagas of Nagaland. Ramlia mentioned that the initiative is to organize a single unified Naga apex body.
When questioned about a possible resolution or the date of the next meeting, he indicated that there is no resolution yet, but they are in the initial stages of organising.
Vezuhu Keyho, President of Chakhesang Public Organization, expressed optimism about the meeting, stating, “The meeting was quite okay, very positive, and the outcome will be good.”
He mentioned ongoing discussions on a draft proposal for the new unified body but refrained from providing further details. Keyho also indicated that the date for the next meeting is not fixed, but it is likely to happen “very soon.”
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