State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities (SCPwD), Diethono Nakhro, citing the 2011 census, stated that there are 29,631 persons with disabilities (PwDs) in Nagaland, comprising 1.5% of the total population, with 16,148 males and 13,483 females.
Nakhro, however, said that the 2011 census underestimated the total population of PwDs in Nagaland.
She attributed this “underestimation” to a lack of awareness about disabilities and the non-participation of PwDs in the census due to the stigma associated with disabilities.
She made these remarks during a keynote address at a consultation workshop on “documenting terminologies used by various Naga and Non-Naga tribes/communities in Nagaland regarding disability and its implications” held at Don Bosco Institute for Development & Leadership (DBIDL) AIDA campus, Dimapur.
Nakhro highlighted that the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPWD) Act, 2016, expanded the list of recognized disabilities from 7 to 21 conditions, thereby increasing the number of PwDs in Nagaland. She emphasized the need for accurate data to effectively address the needs of PwDs.
Discussing the RPWD Act, 2016, Nakhro noted that the Act emphasizes the economic, social, legal, educational, cultural, and political rights of PwDs. Addressing the stigmatization of PwDs, Nakhro mentioned that persons with disabilities have faced stigma throughout history. She pointed out that women with disabilities encounter a “double disadvantage” due to their gender and highlighted various barriers, including attitudinal, environmental, and institutional challenges. She asserted that breaking these barriers is crucial for creating an inclusive world.
Nakhro also stressed the importance of using mindful and inclusive language when referring to persons with disabilities, as language significantly impacts perceptions and can either include or exclude individuals. Advocating for societal change, Nakhro called upon churches in Nagaland to play a meaningful role in promoting positive changes for PwDs, who have long been neglected.
Associate Pastor Sangtam Baptist Church Dimapur, president Nagaland Theological Colleges Association and chairman Sangtam Literature Board Dr. Alem Sangtam emphasized the significant role of religious beliefs in shaping attitudes and culture towards disabilities.
He noted that while some Old Testament interpretations viewed disabilities as signs of disobedience and curses, the New Testament presented a different perspective. Dr. Sangtam highlighted that Jesus Christ regarded individuals with disabilities as those who reveal the mighty work of God, challenging Old Testament views.
He urged people to update their terminology when addressing persons with disabilities (PwDs) and advocated for the use of friendlier terms to make PwDs feel secure and comfortable. He also encouraged literature boards to adopt inclusive language.
Dr. Imlitemsu Ozukum, MD (PMR) and in charge of District Disabilities Rehabilitation Centre, emphasized the provisions of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPWD) Act, 2016, which recognizes 21 types of disabilities. He pointed out that not all people with disabilities are handicapped, asserting that PwDs can achieve the same things as others, albeit in different ways.
Nagaland State Disability Forum president Vikeguno Fatima Kera, also delivered a brief address, which was followed by a discussion on the way forward. The programme, moderated by missionary Kewimadanlule with sign language interpretation by Eliza A Chishi, included an invocation by Thenjamo Tsanglao, president of Dimapur Baptist Pastor’s Fellowship, a welcome note and introduction by K. Ela, director of Prodigals’ Home, and benediction by Alivino Sumi, Missionary to the Blind, NE. The event was a joint initiative by the Office of SCPwD Nagaland and Prodigals’ Home, Dimapur.