The 5 Tribes Committee on Review of Reservation Policy (CoRRP) has announced an indefinite non-participation in all State Government functions, including the upcoming Independence Day celebrations on August 15, in protest against the Nagaland Reservation Policy for backward tribes.
The decision follows a joint meeting of the five apex tribal bodies—representing the Angami, Ao, Lotha, Rengma and Sumi tribes—held on August 9 at Hotel URA, Kohima. Leaders of the tribes, together with their youth and student organisations, unanimously resolved to abstain from all official state events until the Nagaland Government meets their demands regarding the Reservation Review Commission (RRC).
Key Demands of the 5 Tribes Committee
The Committee has raised three major concerns:
- Reconstitution of the Reservation Review Commission – The 5 Tribes strongly oppose the inclusion of members from Civil Society Organizations in the RRC, insisting on an independent commission as agreed in the June 3, 2025 meeting with the State Government.
- Strict Six‑Month Timeline – While accepting the State Cabinet’s decision to give the RRC six months to submit its recommendations, the tribes have warned against any delay or extension beyond the deadline.
- No Linkage with Census Outcome – If the State Government insists on linking the RRC’s outcome with the completion of the upcoming census, the Committee demands an immediate suspension of the Backward Tribe (BT) Reservation Policy until the review is completed.
Form of Protest
According to the general instructions issued on August 12 by Convenor Er Tesinlo Semy and Member Secretary GK Zhimomi, the boycott will include:
- Abstaining from attending any government-organized meetings or programmes.
- No participation by cultural troupes in any form.
- Instructions to schools and colleges, via student bodies, to ensure no students participate in official celebrations.
The Committee has directed all its frontal organisations and sub-units across eight districts — Kohima, Mokokchung, Wokha, Tseminyu, Zunheboto, Dimapur, Chümoukedima and Niuland — to strictly enforce the resolution.
Independence Day Impact
For the August 15 celebrations, the 5 Tribes have urged the public to voluntarily abstain from attending state-level functions, while emphasising the need for peaceful non-participation and avoiding confrontations.
The resolution and protest plan have been formally communicated to the Nagaland Government. If no satisfactory or immediate response is received, the non-participation will continue indefinitely.
Note: The information above is based on the official resolutions and communications released by the 5 Tribes Committee on Review of Reservation Policy (CoRRP).
Published by Dimapur Today
