The five tribes committee- representing the Angami Public Organisation, Ao Senden, Lotha Hoho, Rengma Hoho, and Sumi Hoho – on review of reservation policy has announced that it will initiate peaceful protests if the Nagaland government fails to act on its demands for a review of the state’s job reservation policy.
The announcement was made during a consultative meeting held at the CPO Hall in Chümoukedima on May 24, which included youth and student bodies of the five tribes. A unanimous resolution was passed to begin peaceful protests if the government remains unresponsive.
The committeee had earlier issued a 30-day ultimatum to the state government on April 26. With the deadline expiring on May 26, the committee has reaffirmed its preparedness to launch a phased agitation campaign.
Formed in August 2023, the committee submitted a formal representation to the government in September the same year. However, the group claims that no response has been received to date, prompting the ultimatum and proposed protest action.
Committee members underscored their view that the current job reservation policy, introduced in 1977 for a 10-year term, has remained in effect without formal review for 48 years. They expressed concern over the continuation of what they describe as a ‘temporary policy’ that has now become institutionalized without reassessment.
The committeee has raised several longstanding issues, including internal reservation structure, the absence of a review mechanism, the concept of a ‘creamy layer’ and multiple beneficiaries from the same households. Members emphasized that numerous representations on these matters from student and civil bodies have been ignored over the years.
According to the committee, if the government does not meet the deadline, the first phase of agitation will include peaceful marches in district headquarters of the five tribes. A second phase may involve a peaceful dharna at the state secretariat. Additional protest actions may be declared subsequently.
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The committee is demanding either the scrapping of the current Nagaland Job Reservation Policy for Backward Tribes or the reservation of the remaining unreserved quota exclusively for the five tribes, which they say account for nearly 55 percent of the Scheduled Tribe population in the state.
They have clarified that their demands are not against other tribes receiving benefits, but the need for a fair and updated system. The committee also raised concerns over recent government statements suggesting a policy review would only follow a fresh census- the timeline of which remains uncertain since the process has been pending since 2021.
“Continued delay in policy review is unacceptable,” stated the five tribes committee, confirming that it will proceed with the protest plans unless the government takes immediate and concrete steps to address their demands.
