Nagaland: Naga Tribes to Resume Protests Against Nagaland’s Job Reservation Policy on July 9

KOHIMA– Five major Naga tribes—Angami, Ao, Lotha, Rengma, and Sumi—are set to resume their agitation against Nagaland’s job reservation policy on July 9, under the banner of the 5 Tribes Committee on Review of Reservation Policy (CoRRP). The decision follows the state government’s failure to meet a June 17 deadline to establish a commission for reviewing the decades-old policy, prompting renewed calls for reform.

The CoRRP, formed in 2023 by the apex tribal bodies—Angami Public Organisation, Ao Senden, Lotha Hoho, Rengma Hoho, and Sumi Hoho—announced the resumption of protests after a joint consultative meeting in Kohima on July 3.

The committee plans a one-day sit-in at the Nagaland Civil Secretariat starting at 9 a.m., signaling the second phase of their agitation, which was briefly suspended after a June 3 meeting with the state government.

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Nagaland’s job reservation policy, introduced in 1967, reserves 80% of state government jobs for indigenous Scheduled Tribes, with 37% allocated to 11 “backward” tribes (BTs) since 1977—25% for seven eastern Nagaland tribes and 12% for four others. An additional 4% reservation for persons with disabilities brings the total to 41%. Critics, including the CoRRP, argue that the policy, initially intended as a 10-year measure, has not been reviewed in 48 years, creating disparities among tribes and sidelining merit-based opportunities.

G.K. Zhimomi, CoRRP member-secretary, stated, “The reservation policy has gone on for 48 years and cannot be extended indefinitely. The government’s delay appears to be a tactic to prolong the issue.” He emphasized that the protest is not against any tribe but seeks a review to ensure fairness and equality in employment and education.

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The tribes’ grievances stem from the policy’s outdated framework, which they claim disproportionately benefits the “creamy layer” of BTs—economically and socially advanced individuals—while marginalizing others. The CoRRP has highlighted issues such as double benefits for BT candidates, who can compete in both reserved and general categories, and discrepancies in entry age and qualification standards.

On May 29, thousands from the five tribes held coordinated rallies across eight districts—Kohima, Mokokchung, Wokha, Zunheboto, Tseminyu, Chümoukedima, Niuland, and Dimapur—demanding a policy overhaul. Despite a state government committee formed on May 7 to examine the issue within three months, no progress has been reported. The government’s response, including a letter on May 25, was deemed inadequate by the CoRRP, leading to the escalation of protests.

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Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, addressing journalists on July 2, urged patience, suggesting that reforms should follow the national Census in 2027. However, Zhimomi called this stance contradictory to the government’s earlier commitment to form a commission.

The CoRRP has vowed to intensify the agitation if the government fails to act. “We’ll observe the government’s response and take further steps accordingly,” Zhimomi said, urging peaceful demonstrations and dialogue to resolve the issue. Posts on X reflect growing tribal demands, with calls for equitable opportunities resonating across Nagaland.

As the July 9 sit-in approaches, the state braces for renewed discussions on a policy that has sparked debates over fairness, meritocracy, and tribal harmony. The outcome of the protests and the anticipated government response remain critical to addressing long-standing inequalities in Nagaland’s job market.