DIMAPUR, JUL 25 (NPN): Central Nagaland Tribes Council (CNTC) has submitted an open representation to the chief secretary, Nagaland, expressing concern over what it described as coercive practices during the ongoing House Listing and Population Census in Kohima.
In the representation, CNTC vice president Temjen I Jamir and secretary Rhontsuthung Kikon stated that Kohima, as the state capital, belongs equally to every citizen of Nagaland and that every Naga, irrespective of tribe, has an equal and inalienable right to live, work, study and pursue a livelihood there without fear, intimidation or discrimination.
The council alleged that temporary residents in Kohima were being subjected to pressure, threats and coercion to undergo House Listing and Population Census enumeration at their present addresses, even after completing the process in their native districts or villages. It further alleged that such pressure was reportedly being linked to the issuance of essential public documents and services, including ration cards, residential certificates and other civil documents.
While stating that such actions were not only unlawful but deeply damaging, CNTC maintained that it was contrary to the provisions of the Census Act, 1948, and infringed upon the fundamental rights guaranteed under Article 19(1)(d) and Article 19(1)(e) of the Constitution of India. It stated that any form of coercion, intimidation or discriminatory treatment during the census process was unacceptable and undermined the rule of law, public confidence and unity among the people of Nagaland.
The council asserted that no citizen should be subjected to coercion or undue pressure during the census process and that essential public services and official documents should not be made conditional upon census registration at a temporary place of residence unless expressly provided by law. It also stated that any attempt to create an atmosphere of fear, discrimination or unequal treatment among Naga residents in the state capital was unacceptable and must cease immediately.
CNTC cautioned that a state capital that becomes “a place of anxiety and unequal treatment ceases to truly serve all its people”. It warned that if left unaddressed, such practices could erode public confidence in the administration and weaken the bonds of unity and fraternity among the Naga people.
CNTC urged the chief secretary to issue clear written directives to the Kohima district administration and all officials associated with the census prohibiting any form of coercion, intimidation, threat or undue pressure during the enumeration process. It also sought strict adherence to the Census Act, 1948, and Census of India guidelines.
Further, the council requested the government to ensure that the issuance of ration cards, residential certificates and other essential public documents and services was not made contingent upon the place of census enumeration except where specifically mandated by law. It also appealed to the government to publicly reaffirm that Kohima belongs equally to every citizen of Nagaland and that every resident enjoys equal protection under the law and the freedom to live, work and pursue a livelihood without discrimination or intimidation.
The council expressed its willingness to extend full cooperation to ensure the peaceful, lawful and successful conduct of the census and said a prompt and fair intervention by the government would help address the concerns while reaffirming the principles of justice, equality, mutual respect and inter-tribal harmony.
Sunday, July 26, 2026