Kohima, July 9, 2025 — Thousands of tribal citizens from Nagaland’s Ao, Angami, Lotha, Rengma, and Sumi communities staged a peaceful sit-in protest outside the Nagaland Civil Secretariat in Kohima on Wednesday, demanding a comprehensive review of the state’s 48-year-old job reservation policy. The protest was organized under the banner of the 5 Tribes Committee on Review of Reservation Policy (CoRRP).
The demonstrators, dressed in traditional attire, carried placards reading “48 years of patience on BT reservation has become unbearable” and “Reservation without minimum cut-off marks is a mockery of the system.” The protest marks the second phase of CoRRP’s agitation, following a memorandum submitted to the state government earlier this year.
The current reservation framework, introduced in 1977, initially allocated 25% quotas for seven designated “backward” tribes in non-technical and non-gazetted posts for a period of ten years. Over time, the quota expanded to 37%, comprising 25% for Eastern Nagaland Backward Tribes and 12% for four other backward tribes. CoRRP argues that the policy is outdated and no longer reflects the socio-economic and educational realities of the state’s diverse communities.
Despite assurances from Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton on June 3 that a commission would be formed by June 17 to examine the issue, protesters expressed frustration over the lack of progress. Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, currently out of station, had earlier stated that any reforms should be implemented only after the national census scheduled for 2027.
CoRRP has warned of escalating protests if the government fails to act decisively. The committee is demanding either the abolition of the existing reservation policy or the reallocation of unutilized reserved posts to the five tribes it represents. Leaders reiterated that the movement is not against any community but seeks equitable representation and justice for all.
The Nagaland government has acknowledged the concerns and stated that the matter is under institutional review. However, the protesters remain firm in their demand for immediate and inclusive policy reform.
