Dimapur: The Chakhesang Public Organisation (CPO) has urged the Nagaland government to immediately review the recruitment process for the 12th Battalion of the Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) and other state police appointments, raising serious concerns over the use of outdated census data that could jeopardise fair representation of indigenous communities.
In a representation submitted to the Chief Minister of Nagaland, the apex body of the Chakhesang community pointed out that the proposed recruitment chart for the 12th IRB is reportedly based on population figures from the 1991 and 2001 Census reports.
“It has come to our notice that the State Police Department is contemplating the continuation of the recruitment model previously adopted during the raising of the 9th, 10th and 11th IR Battalions in 1999, 2002 and 2005 respectively. That Sir, we are deeply concerned that the proposed recruitment chart is based on outdated and inaccurate population data drawn from the 1991 and 2001 census reports,” it stated.
The CPO argued that relying on such outdated data does not reflect current demographic realities and violates both the State Recruitment Policy and the job reservation provisions for Backward Tribes (BTs).
“This model not only disregards the current demographic realities but also contravenes the existing State Recruitment Policy and the provisions of the job reservation policy meant for Backward Tribes (BTs),” it asserted.
The CPO further expressed dismay that such a “critical recruitment exercise” is being planned without adherence to the official policy framework, thereby undermining the principles of fairness, transparency and justice.
“It is disheartening that an independent and arbitrary model is being manufactured, potentially disturbing the social fabric and harmony in our state,” it said.
The organisation highlighted that government employment remains a vital source of livelihood for Naga youth, and stressed the need for “a clear, consistent and inclusive recruitment policy”.
It also pointed out that the recent public unrest over “recruitment anomalies” clearly underscores the urgent need for a fair and accountable system.
The CPO further stressed that if the aim of the recruitment exercise is equitable district-wise representation, the Government must adopt the latest available population data, the 2011 Census, to ensure justice and equal opportunity for all indigenous tribes of Nagaland.
“If the Government’s objective is to ensure equitable representation of police forces across the districts, we respectfully urge that the distribution be made based on the most recent and legitimate 2011 census data, thereby ensuring fair opportunity for all indigenous tribes of Nagaland,” it stated.
The CPO urged the government to address this issue with urgency, correct past discrepancies and initiate “a robust policy framework that promotes justice, equity, and equal opportunity”.
The CPO has expressed its willingness to cooperate with the Government in promoting justice, peace, and inclusive progress in Nagaland.
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