KOHIMA, August 14, 2025: The Five Tribes Committee on Review of Reservation Policy (CoRRP) has announced an indefinite boycott of all State Government functions, including the upcoming Independence Day celebrations on August 15, in protest against the State Government’s “continued unresponsiveness” to its key demands regarding the reservation policy.
The decision, according to a statement from CoRRP, stems from a unanimous resolution adopted on August 9 during a joint meeting of the apex tribal bodies of the Angami Public Organization, Ao Senden, Lotha Hoho, Rengma Hoho, and Sumi Hoho. CoRRP expressed appreciation to the five bodies for issuing coordinated directives to their respective frontal organizations and sub-units, instructing strict compliance with the non-participation call across the eight districts of Kohima, Mokokchung, Wokha, Tseminyu, Zunheboto, Dimapur, Chumoukedima, and Niuland.
The boycott will remain in effect until the State Government takes concrete action on three primary demands:
1. Revisit the composition of the Reservation Review Commission by revoking the inclusion of members from civil society organizations (CSOs).
2. Complete the Commission’s work within six months, with no extensions or delays.
3. Suspend the Backward Tribe Reservation Policy if the Government intends to link the Commission’s recommendations to the completion of the census.
CoRRP stated that “non-participation” will mean abstaining from all meetings, functions, and events called or organized by the State Government, regardless of the occasion.
For the upcoming Independence Day celebrations, the committee has issued specific instructions:
• The public should voluntarily abstain from attending State-organized functions.
• No cultural troupes should participate in any form.
• Student bodies must ensure that schools and colleges do not compel students to take part in celebrations outside their institutional premises.
The committee underscored the importance of maintaining a peaceful and disciplined approach, advising all involved to avoid confrontations or disruptions while implementing the boycott.
In its statement, CoRRP also cautioned the State Government against using its agencies to “coerce or intimidate” civil society leaders or the public, warning that such actions could trigger “untoward situations” and escalate tensions.
Following CoRRP’s issuance of general instructions, the five apex tribal bodies reaffirmed the August 9 resolution and instructed all frontal organizations and constituent units to take necessary measures for effective enforcement of the directives.
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The coordinated decision marks an escalation in the ongoing agitation over the State’s reservation policy, signaling united tribal opposition and placing renewed pressure on the Government ahead of a key national celebration.
