The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) has clarified that "Kacha Naga" is not a derogatory term but an officially recognized tribal designation under the laws of India.
The clarification came in response to demands from certain quarters seeking an apology for the use of the term "Kacha Naga" in a recent statement.
In a release issued on Sunday, the KZC stated that the term was included in the list of Scheduled Tribes in Manipur through the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Orders (Amendment) Act, 1956, and was subsequently retained in the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Orders (Amendment) Act, 1976.
Furthermore, it stated that the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Amendment) Act, 2011, which came into effect in 2012, modified the entry to read "Kacha Naga, Liangmai, Zeme," thereby distinguishing the constituent groups while retaining the original term in the official Scheduled Tribe list.
The KZC therefore reiterated that its use of the term was based solely on the existing constitutional and legal nomenclature recognized by the Government of India.
"No disrespect or offence was intended toward any community. If any section of society believes that the terminology requires revision, the appropriate course of action is to seek an amendment to the relevant official records and statutory provisions through the competent authorities," the KZC said.
Stating that holding the KZC responsible for using a term that remains part of the official Scheduled Tribe classification is unwarranted and misplaced, the Kuki-Zo body added that it remains committed to maintaining respectful relations among all communities and urged all concerned to focus on constructive dialogue and mutual understanding.
The Hills Journal
K. Salbung, Churachandpur
Manipur-795128
