A coalition of five tribal apex bodies in Nagaland has declared a widespread boycott of all State Government events, including Independence Day celebrations on 15 August 2025, after days of coordinated decisions and public directives.
The move follows a joint meeting of the Five Tribes Committee on Review of Reservation Policy (CoRRP) held on 9 August 2025 at Hotel URA in Kohima. Leaders from the Angami, Rengma, Sümi, Ao, and Lotha apex bodies joined youth and student organisations to scrutinise the State Cabinet’s 6 August decision regarding the backward tribes reservation policy.
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Participants expressed firm opposition to forming a Reservation Review Commission that includes civil society members, reaffirming their earlier 3 June demand for an independent commission.
While they supported a six‑month timeframe for submitting recommendations, they rejected any possibility of an extension and insisted on immediate implementation without linking the process to the next census.
They further stated that if the policy review is tied to census data, backward tribes (BT) reservation should be suspended until that census is completed.
The resolutions warned that unless the State Government responded satisfactorily and immediately, all five tribal bodies, along with their affiliated organisations and sub‑units, would refrain from attending government functions — explicitly including the upcoming Independence Day ceremonies.
Following the 9 August resolutions, the boycott was reinforced through district‑level circulars. On 10 August, Rengma Hoho in Tseminyu instructed civil society organisations in eight districts—Kohima, Dimapur, Chümoukedima, Niuland, Mokokchung, Zünheboto, Wokha, and Tseminyu—to completely abstain from official events. They cited frustration over the government’s “inaction” and the inclusion of CSO members in the review commission. All affiliated unions, village councils, and educational institutions were ordered to comply until further notice.
On 12 August, Sümi Hoho in Zunheboto issued Circular No. SH/OFO‑05/2025 directing all Sümi‑inhabited regions to avoid participation in State functions, stressing that the boycott should remain peaceful and free from confrontation. Several Sümi associations and town units were tasked with ensuring adherence.
That same day, Ao Senden informed the Deputy Commissioner of Mokokchung that they and all organisations under their authority would skip government events until the policy dispute is resolved.
On 13 August, the Angami Public Organisation (APO) released instructions to its sub‑organisations—including SAPO, WAPO, CPO, NAPO, AWO, ASU, and AYO—to create public awareness and ensure non‑attendance at any State event.
Also on 13 August, in Wokha, Lotha Hoho called for an immediate and indefinite boycott. Their circular criticised the 48‑year‑old job reservation policy, which they say deprives “so‑called advanced tribes” of fair opportunities. They urged youth and student groups to take the lead in voicing dissatisfaction peacefully, while strictly banning any violent activity.
What lies ahead?
The directives cover a broad network: student bodies, youth groups, villages, schools, town committees, and constituent tribal units. All actions stem from the 9 August resolutions, creating a coordinated timeline that spans from 10 to 13 August.
Also Read: 5 Tribes CoRRP slams Nagaland govt over new Reservation Commission
With Independence Day at the centre of the protest, the five apex bodies have presented a united stand and demanding an independent policy review and rapid action from the government before any return to participation in official events.
