All Sümi Students’ Union (SKK) on Tuesday strongly opposed the move to induct non-Nagas as state government nominees in urban local bodies (ULBs) in Nagaland. SKK president Gihuka K Zhimo and general secretary Toshika K Kiba said the move posed a significant threat to the rights and interests of indigenous Naga community and undermined the autonomy, cultural identity, and decision-making processes of the Nagas.
The student body asserted that Nagas have a unique cultural identity and have made significant contributions to the state of Nagaland. SKK said it was essential that Nagas’ rights and interests were protected and promoted. It said that the presence of non-locals in ULBs would compromise the community’s well-being, exacerbate complex issues, and put the ancestral lands, resources and heritage at risk.
SKK demanded that ULBs be exclusively comprised of indigenous Naga members ensuring that only indigenous and scheduled tribe members were eligible to hold membership. The union said that “this measure will safeguard the rights and interests of the Naga community, guaranteeing the voices representing our concerns addressed.”
Therefore, SKK has urged the state chief minister to reject the proposed candidate and take concrete steps to protect the rights and interests of the Naga community. SKK also sought immediate action from the government to address the issue and ensure the rights and interests of the Naga community were protected.