‘Don’t worry’, Nagaland Governor allays fear over removal of Article 371(A)

The Governor issued a statement after some people have expressed apprehensions over the implications of the of the development in Jammu and Kashmir on Nagaland.

Updated on: Aug 6, 2019, 19:50:58 IST

Hindustan Times, Guwahati | By Utpal Parashar

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Newly appointed Nagaland Governor RN Ravi on Tuesday assured people of the state not to worry about removal of Article 371 (A) following developments related to Jammu and Kashmir after the Centre scrapped Article 370 which granted special status to that state.

R.N. Ravi took charge as Governor of Nagaland on August 1. (ANI)

Article 371(A) of the Constitution states that no Act of Parliament related to religious and social practices of Nagas, their customary law and procedure, administration of civil and criminal justice involving Naga customary law and ownership and transfer of land and resources will be applicable to the state unless the Nagaland assembly takes a decision on that through a resolution.

“Some people have expressed apprehensions over the implications of the development in Jammu and Kashmir on Nagaland. I would like to categorically assure you all that you do not have to worry at all,” Ravi said in a statement issued to the people of Nagaland.

The former deputy national security advisor who was the Centre’s interlocutor for the Naga peace process took oath as Nagaland Governor on August 1.

“Article 371 (A) is a solemn commitment to the people of Nagaland. It is a sacred commitment. We are earnestly working to happily conclude the ongoing political process which is at a very advanced stage,” the statement added.

Government of India had signed a framework agreement in 2015 with National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah faction) which has been followed up with consultations with other rebel groups in order to find a final solution to the Naga political issue.

Like Nagaland, several other states in Northeast also enjoy special provisions under Article 371 of the Constitution mainly to ensure protection of tribal customs and culture and rights over land.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Utpal Parashar
A seasoned senior journalist, I have nearly three decades of experience across print, digital, and online platforms, covering political transitions, insurgencies, environmental issues, and development stories in India and Nepal. I am skilled in breaking news, leading editorial teams and launch of newspaper editions. I am adept at leveraging digital trends and social media to expand global reach, with a strong ethical foundation and a reputation for impactful journalism. An alumnus of Asian College of Journalism, I joined Hindustan Times in New Delhi as a trainee reporter in May 1997. Over the years, I have been posted in Dehradun, Kathmandu (Nepal) and Guwahati. Currently, as Senior Assistant Editor at Hindustan Times, I lead a team reporting on India’s northeastern states. My work involves in-depth analysis, and engaging multimedia storytelling across formats, including text, photo, video, and interactive content. I am skilled in producing timely, shareable content, leveraging digital platforms and social media to engage global audiences. Throughout my career with the Hindustan Times, I have led diverse editorial teams, designed capacity-building activities, and supported reporters in developing strong story ideas, ethical reporting practices, digital skills, and fact-checking techniques. As Senior Assistant Editor for Northeast India, I have been responsible for guiding correspondents through complex political, humanitarian, and community-level stories using multimedia formats. Earlier, as Foreign Correspondent in Nepal, I produced extensive reporting during Nepal’s democratic transition and the 2015 earthquake and its aftermath.Read More

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