Nagaland Minister demands to implement NRC

Guwahati: Minister Temjen Imna Along Longkumer demanded to implement the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Nagaland in order to safeguard the Naga people and to strengthen the roots of the tradition and cultural beliefs and practices against any infringement.

The minister said that safeguarding the traditional and cultural identity in the midst of any Bill is more important because it is the best way to identify the people.

The Minister demanded to implement the NRC after it has been implemented in the state of Assam to identify the indigenous Assamese and to make Assam free from illegal immigrants. The NRC is a register containing names of all genuine Indian citizens.

The purpose of NRC update is to identify illegal migrants residing in Northeastern state who entered Indian territories after midnight on 24 March 1971 and to determine the citizenship of the applicants who have applied for inclusion of their names in the updated NRC thereafter making the states immigrants free.

The minister who graced a valedictory function of the 6th Longpok Semchir Telongjem Mungdang at Town Hall asserted in his address that in the current Naga context there is a tremendous clash between the traditional and modern culture where the young generations are confused. He also lamented that the rich cultural heritage left behind by the forefathers is rapidly disappearing and many youngsters do not know about their cultural backgrounds as globalization has captured the entire world.

"The current generation is connected with the internet 24x7 where they copy the alien cultures and become alienated with the culture that defines them," Longkumer said. He further added that the clash of ideologies is occurring because the young generation learn knowledge from books but they forget their cultural heritage. He warned people that one day humans will become endangered species if they lose their cultural heritage and identity and asked the young delegates to let the young generation know and learn about where they come from and preserve the cultural heritage.

The minister also urged the delegates to educate the youths, let them inherit the rich cultural heritage, teach them to fear God and work hard if they want them to march ahead.

Also Read: National Register of Citizens (NRC) Not in Other States