Photo Courtesy: ukhrultimes
Imphal: The Kuki-Zo Council pushed back Sunday against claims that its use of the term Kacha Naga was insulting. Critics demanded an apology after the council included the label in a recent press statement. Council spokesperson Ginza Vualzong shot back, noting the term appears in federal statutes governing tribal designations.
Official records back the council. The term landed on the list of Scheduled Tribes in 1956. It stayed there through the 1976 amendment. The 2011 update later kept the name while separating the Zeme and Liangmai tribes.
The council argued that targeting them for using government language is wrong. They say those who dislike the name should petition the state to change the law instead of blaming the council. "KZC therefore reiterates that its use of the term was based solely on the existing constitutional and legal nomenclature recognised by the Government of India. No disrespect or offence was intended toward any community," the council stated.
Officials urged groups to stop fighting over paperwork. They want everyone to focus on talking through issues instead. The council maintains that official lists dictate their word choices, not intent to offend.
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