Any move to scrap Article 371(A) will be opposed, assures Nagaland BJP President

Guwahati: With the revocation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, several speculations and apprehensions have also risen in some of the northeastern states of India. Nagaland BJP president Temjen Imna Along Longkumer has, however, expressed his concern over the matter and took to assure the people in the state assembly that even if such attempts are made he will be standing united and protest the move strongly. As this is about protecting the unique Naga history, he will never hesitate to stand strong.

Nagaland is bestowed with Article 371A, Assam with Article 371B, Manipur with Article 371C and Sikkim and Mizoram with Article 371F. Just as Jammu and Kashmir lost its special status with the revocation of Article 370, there are apprehensions that the government might this time point towards one or even multiple northeastern states.

However, the Nagaland BJP has extended its complete support to the central government’s decision of scrapping of Article 370 and 35(A) in Jammu & Kashmir. Hailing the Modi-government decision, but standing for the protection of the state, Longkumer stated, "But we as BJP Nagaland... will stand very strongly if there is any attempt towards Nagaland in its way; to also share our doubts, fears, grievances and apprehensions and let it be known to the leaders in Delhi. And I believe that they will listen and respect our unique history.”

But, before this, the Nagaland government, headed by the Neiphiu Rio-led coalition government has chosen not to show any reaction at the recent issues. Being a BJP partner, the government has kept silence and similar is the attitude of the Naga Students’ Federation.

The BJP president stated this while he was addressing the Nagaland Legislative Assembly’s ongoing session on Registration of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN) and Inner Line Permit (ILP). Before this, MLA Chotisuh Sazo had also raised this issue and had said that Article 371(A), ILP and Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulations (BEFR), 1873 gives protection to Nagas. Sazo also cited the special provisions provided to J&K in regard to Article 370 and Article 35(A) which has now been revoked by the Centre.

Also read: After J&K losing its special status, is it now the turn for the northeastern states?

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