GUWAHATI: Signalling an escalation in their conflict with the state government over the job reservation issue, five tribal organisations in Nagaland have spurned a government invitation to attend Monday’s swearing-in ceremony of Ajay Kumar Bhalla as the state’s Governor.
Bhalla, who is the Governor of Manipur, was given additional charge of Nagaland by President Droupadi Murmu on 16 August after Nagaland Governor La Ganeshan passed away in Chennai.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the “5 Tribes Committee on Review of Reservation Policy” (CoRRP) acknowledged receiving an invitation to attend Bhalla’s swearing-in ceremony.
“However, with our 9th August 2025 resolution in force, we regret the inability to attend the ceremony as the state government continues to ignore our legitimate demands despite repeated reminders,” the statement said.
The CoRRP comprises tribal bodies such as the Angami Public Organisation, Ao Senden, Lotha Hoho, Rengma Hoho and Sumi Hoho. Angami, Ao, Lotha, Rengma and Sumi are major tribes and considered “advanced.”
On 6 August, the state cabinet had approved the constitution of a seven-member commission, to be headed by a retired IAS officer of the Nagaland cadre, to examine the job reservation policy and prepare a report. However, the CoRRP opposed the composition of the commission, alleging that it lacks neutrality and reflects a partisan approach.
It had reaffirmed the consensus decision of having an independent commission as decided in the 3 June 2025 meeting with the state government.
Earlier, the CoRRP argued that the reservation system, which has been in place since 1977, allegedly no longer reflects the region’s prevailing socio-economic and educational landscape and that it allegedly favours the “backward” Naga tribes.
The CoRRP, which had taken out protest rallies in different parts of the state in May and July on the reservation issue, said it would maintain its policy of non-participation in all state government functions until its concerns are addressed.