Kacharis Are Indigenous, Not Migrants
Former MLA Samarjit Haflongbar protests Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio’s remarks
Hills Live News, Haflong (Assam), November 3: Former Dima Hasao MLA Samarjit Haflongbar has strongly protested against Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio’s alleged remarks describing the Kachari community as migrants in Nagaland. In a statement, Haflongbar asserted that the Kacharis are not migrants in their ancestral homeland. He said that they are one of the oldest communities in Northeast India, with a history and heritage spanning several centuries.
Haflongbar stated that Dimapur was the capital of the Kachari Kingdom long before the formation of Nagaland as a state. According to him, the historic stone pillars, architectural ruins and archaeological remains in Dimapur bear testimony to the history of Kachari rule. He emphasised that the history of Dimapur did not begin in 1963 and that no newly created political boundary could erase centuries of history.
The former MLA also referred to the leasing of land by Assam to the Naga Hills in 1918 for railway development and its connection with subsequent administrative and political reorganisations that shaped Dimapur’s present status. He maintained that indigenous identity should not be judged solely on the basis of present-day state boundaries. The Kachari community, including the Dimasa and other related groups, has maintained historical connections with various parts of the region long before the emergence of the modern state system.
While acknowledging and respecting the distinct identity, customary laws and rights of the Naga people, Haflongbar said that protecting the rights of one indigenous community should not mean denying the history and identity of another.
He appealed to the Nagaland Chief Minister to reconsider the remarks describing the Kacharis as migrants and issue a clarification. He also called for proper recognition of the historical presence of the Kachari Kingdom in Dimapur and protection of the dignity and rights of the Kachari community residing in Nagaland.
Haflongbar made it clear that they have no question over Nagaland’s statehood or the rights of the Naga people. Their objection, he said, is solely against any attempt to deny the history and identity of the Kachari community. He also appealed for mutual respect, harmony and brotherhood among all communities of Northeast India.
Kacharis Are Indigenous, Not Migrants
Former MLA Samarjit Haflongbar protests Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio’s remarks
Haflong (Assam), November 3: Former Dima Hasao MLA Samarjit Haflongbar has strongly protested against Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio’s alleged remarks describing the Kachari community as migrants in Nagaland. In a statement, Haflongbar asserted that the Kacharis are not migrants in their ancestral homeland. He said that they are one of the oldest communities in Northeast India, with a history and heritage spanning several centuries.
Haflongbar stated that Dimapur was the capital of the Kachari Kingdom long before the formation of Nagaland as a state. According to him, the historic stone pillars, architectural ruins and archaeological remains in Dimapur bear testimony to the history of Kachari rule. He emphasised that the history of Dimapur did not begin in 1963 and that no newly created political boundary could erase centuries of history.
The former MLA also referred to the leasing of land by Assam to the Naga Hills in 1918 for railway development and its connection with subsequent administrative and political reorganisations that shaped Dimapur’s present status. He maintained that indigenous identity should not be judged solely on the basis of present-day state boundaries. The Kachari community, including the Dimasa and other related groups, has maintained historical connections with various parts of the region long before the emergence of the modern state system.
While acknowledging and respecting the distinct identity, customary laws and rights of the Naga people, Haflongbar said that protecting the rights of one indigenous community should not mean denying the history and identity of another.
He appealed to the Nagaland Chief Minister to reconsider the remarks describing the Kacharis as migrants and issue a clarification. He also called for proper recognition of the historical presence of the Kachari Kingdom in Dimapur and protection of the dignity and rights of the Kachari community residing in Nagaland.
Haflongbar made it clear that they have no question over Nagaland’s statehood or the rights of the Naga people. Their objection, he said, is solely against any attempt to deny the history and identity of the Kachari community. He also appealed for mutual respect, harmony and brotherhood among all communities of Northeast India.