Dimapur: The decision by the Arunachal Pradesh government to remove the Naga name from official usage across several regions in the state has sparked discontent among the Naga community.
The Global Naga Forum (GNF), in a statement, expressed strong opposition, terming the decision as a violation of the cultural identity and historical heritage of the Naga people residing in the districts of Tirap, Changlang, and Longding (TCL). The GNF claims that the decision disregards constitutional guarantees aimed at preserving cultural and linguistic diversity in India.
“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,” the statement emphasized.
Constitutional rights at stake
The GNF invoked multiple provisions of the Indian Constitution to underline their concerns. Article 19(1)(a) guarantees every citizen the right to freedom of expression, which, according to the Forum, extends to the right to preserve and express one’s cultural identity. Additionally, Article 29 safeguards the interests of minorities, providing them with the right to conserve their unique cultural heritage.
“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,” the GNF stated.
The GNF argues that removing the Naga name not only undermines these constitutional safeguards but also contravenes Article 14, which guarantees equality before the law.
“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,” the statement said.
Failure of political representation
The GNF also criticized the inaction of elected Naga representatives in addressing the issue effectively.
“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 stated.
The Forum highlighted the significance of a long-standing demand for a Patkai Autonomous Council for the TCL regions. Originally proposed in 2004 by former Home Minister James Wanglat, the autonomous council was seen as a potential mechanism to safeguard the rights and interests of the Naga people. The GNF believes the establishment of such a council would align with the broader political negotiations between the Government of India (GoI) and the Naga people, ensuring self-governance, development, and cultural preservation in these areas.
Call for reconsideration and reconciliation
The Global Naga Forum urged the Arunachal Pradesh government to reverse its decision, calling it a necessary step to uphold constitutional values.
“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,” the statement argued.
The GNF emphasized the importance of respecting the cultural identity of the Naga people, promoting peaceful coexistence among indigenous communities in Arunachal Pradesh, and ensuring solutions that are just and equitable.
“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,” the statement read.
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