Nagaland Governor allays fears on removal of Art 371(A), calls it solemn commitment

GUWAHATI: A day after Jammu and Kashmir’s special status was scrapped by the Centre, newly appointed Nagaland Governor RN Ravi sought to allay the fears of the Naga

Published on: Aug 7, 2019, 24:45:58 IST

By Utpal Parashar

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GUWAHATI: A day after Jammu and Kashmir’s special status was scrapped by the Centre, newly appointed Nagaland Governor RN Ravi sought to allay the fears of the Naga people about any possible removal of Article 371 (A), which grants them certain privileges.

Under this article, no Act of Parliament related to the religious and social practices of the Nagas, their customary law and procedures, administration of civil and criminal justice involving Naga customary law, and ownership/transfer of land and resources will be applicable to Nagaland unless the state assembly takes a decision through a resolution.

A statement issued by the governor to the people of Nagaland said, “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.”

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.

In 2015, the government of India signed a framework agreement with the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah) after decades of violent insurgency and innumerable rounds of talks. This was followed by consultations with other rebel groups to find a final solution to the Naga political issue.

Like Nagaland, several other states in the Northeast enjoy special privileges under Article 371 of the Constitution, ensuring 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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