Congress leader and AICC Minority Department National Coordinator, Rajesh Kumar Sethi, has urged the government to recognize non-Nagas as indigenous residents of Nagaland and guarantee they receive equal opportunities. Talking at the closing session of the Linguistic Minority Forum of Nagaland, he showcases the issues faced by non-Nagas, including identity status, education, land ownership, and political representation.
Rajesh Kumar Sethi appreciated Dr. Chumben Murry's suggestion to rename the forum as the "Non-Naga Linguistics Forum of Nagaland," considering it a positive step. However, he was disappointed that non-Nagas were being given only Domicile and Permanent Resident status rather than full Indigenous recognition. He pointed out that non-Naga communities have been living in Nagaland since the 1880s, contributing to the state’s economy, culture, and society. Therefore, they deserve official recognition as indigenous inhabitants.
On education, Sethi criticized the reservation policy in Nagaland’s medical colleges, where 80% of seats are reserved for Nagas and 20% for outsiders, leaving no room for long-term non-Naga settlers. He called on the state government to address this issue and appreciated MP Supongmeren Jamir for raising the demand in Parliament for additional medical and engineering seats for minorities.
Sethi also spoke against the extension of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) to Dimapur in 2019, arguing that it unfairly restricts non-Nagas from living and working freely. He shows that ILP should be applied only to illegal immigrants and not to those who have been settled in the state for generations. Additionally, he pointed out that land ownership laws force non-Nagas to sell their properties, leading to their migration from the state. He urged the government to grant land rights to long-term settlers to ensure their security.
Regarding political representation, Sethi welcomed Dr. S.C. Jamir’s suggestion to reserve one Dimapur-I assembly seat as an open category, allowing non-Nagas to participate in elections. Despite their contributions to trade, education, and economic development, he lamented that non-Nagas face political marginalization, difficulties in obtaining business permits, and limited financial support, which hinders their progress.
Sethi also acknowledged his family's historical contributions to Nagaland. He appreciated Dr. Rulangthung Yanthan for recognizing his great-grandfather’s legacy of settling in Kohima during British rule before moving to Dimapur. He also paid tribute to his grandfather, Kanayalal Sethi, who was honored as the First Gaon Bura of Dimapur after Nagaland attained statehood, recognizing their family's service to the region.
Additionally, Sethi criticized the state government for excluding non-Nagas from the Ayushman Bharat health scheme, calling it an injustice against long-term settlers.
Rajesh Kumar Sethi shows the importance of balancing the protection of Naga identity with the rights of long-term non-Naga settlers. He encouraged policymakers to act fairly and promptly on these concerns. Thanking the youth, elders, and attendees for their support, he said with confidence that the younger generation would continue advocating for equal rights and recognition with determination and strength. (PR)