The Five-Tribes Committee on Review of Reservation Policy (CORRP) in Kohima announced that it will not take part in any state government events, including Independence Day celebrations. The decision came after a three-hour closed-door meeting on Saturday with the apex bodies of Angami, Ao, Lotha, Rengma, and Sema tribes.

Objection to Panel’s Composition

CORRP convener Tesinlo Semy said the committee supports the idea of reviewing the state’s reservation policy but opposes the current composition of the review commission.

“The inclusion of civil society organisations compromises their independence and impartiality,” Semy stated. He insisted the commission should only have government officials—either serving or retired bureaucrats—for an unbiased assessment.

Call for Independent Commission

Member secretary GK Zhimomi said the committee never demanded the review commission. It was agreed upon in a June 3 meeting with the government, led by Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton.

“The commission must be independent. Including CSOs in a decision-making body that is meant to objectively assess the reservation policy undermines its fairness,” Zhimomi said.

Rejecting Job Data Claims

Zhimomi dismissed a state minister’s claim that the five advanced tribes hold 64% of government jobs, while over 10 backward tribes together have 34%. He called the figures “wildly imaginary” and said CORRP has “its own data” to be released later.

Government’s Role in Consultations

On talks with tribes benefiting from the backward quota, CORRP said this is the government-appointed commission’s responsibility. “The government must gather views from all sides and come up with a fair solution,” Zhimomi added.

He also warned that if the government links the commission’s recommendations to the national census outcome, CORRP would demand suspension of the current reservation policy until then.

“This is not a boycott, but a conscious decision of non-participation,” Zhimomi clarified.

Background of the Dispute

The demand for a review gained momentum after CORRP submitted a joint memorandum to the state government. The committee argued that the 1977 policy no longer matches the current socio-economic and educational conditions of communities in Nagaland.

Earlier, CORRP held demonstrations on May 29 and July 9 in several districts.

How Reservation Has Changed

When the policy began, 25% of jobs in non-technical and non-gazetted posts were reserved for seven tribes classified as ‘backwards’ due to poor education, economic disadvantages, and low representation in government.
The quota later rose to 37%—25% for seven Eastern Nagaland Backward Tribes and 12% for four other backward tribes.