Kohima, July 25 (MExN): The Central Nagaland Tribes Council (CNTC) has expressed deep concern over reports of coercion and intimidation faced by temporary residents in Kohima during the ongoing House Listing and Population Census, and has urged the State Government to issue immediate directives to halt such practices.
In a representation to the Chief Secretary of Nagaland, the CNTC stated that temporary residents are being subjected to pressure, threats, and coercion to undergo enumeration at their present addresses, even when they have already completed the process in their native districts or villages. It further alleged that such pressure is reportedly being linked to the issuance of essential public documents and services, including Ration Cards, Residential Certificates, and other civil documents.
Terming such actions as “unlawful and deeply damaging,” the CNTC asserted that they are contrary to the principles governing the conduct of the Census under the Census Act, 1948, and infringe upon the fundamental rights guaranteed under Article 19(1)(d) and Article 19(1)(e) of the Constitution of India, which guarantee every citizen the freedom to move freely and the right to reside and settle in any part of the country.
The council emphasised that Kohima, as the State Capital, belongs equally to every citizen of Nagaland, and that every Naga has an equal and inalienable right to live, work, study, and pursue a livelihood in the city with dignity, security, and complete freedom from fear, intimidation, or discrimination.
“No citizen should be subjected to coercion, intimidation, or undue pressure during the census process. Essential public services and official documents must not be made conditional upon census registration at a temporary place of residence unless expressly provided by law. Any attempt to create an atmosphere of fear, discrimination, or unequal treatment among Naga residents in the State Capital is unacceptable and must cease immediately,” the representation stated.
The CNTC urged the Government to issue clear written directives to the District Administration, Kohima, and all officials associated with the ongoing enumeration process, prohibiting any form of coercion, intimidation, threat, or undue pressure. It also called for ensuring that census operations are conducted strictly in accordance with the Census Act, 1948, and the guidelines governing the Census of India.
It further demanded that the issuance of Ration Cards, Residential Certificates, and all other essential public documents and services shall not be made contingent upon the place of census enumeration, except where specifically mandated by law. It also sought a public reaffirmation that Kohima, as the capital of Nagaland, belongs equally to every citizen of the State and that every resident shall enjoy equal protection under the law and the freedom to live, work, and pursue a livelihood without discrimination or intimidation.
“If left unaddressed, such actions risk eroding public confidence in the administration and weakening the bonds of unity and fraternity among the Naga people. A State Capital that becomes a place of anxiety and unequal treatment ceases to truly serve all its people,” the council stated.
The CNTC reaffirmed its readiness to extend full cooperation to ensure the peaceful, lawful, and successful conduct of the Census, while expressing hope for a prompt, fair and decisive intervention by the Government to reaffirm the principles of justice, equality, mutual respect and inter-tribal harmony in the State.
The representation was signed by CNTC Vice President Temjen I Jamir and Secretary Rhontsuthung Kikon.
