The government on Friday said it was not possible to make effective Article 371 A (1)(a) of the Constitution in Nagaland but was open for discussion to resolve the issue.
Through article 371 A (1)(a), a special provision has been given to Nagaland under which no Parliament laws in respect of religious or social practices of the Nagas, Naga customary law and procedure, administration of civil and criminal justice and ownership and transfer of land and its resources, will apply to the state unless the Legislative Assembly decides by a resolution.
Replying to a private member bill moved by Khekiho Zhimomi (NPF) in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju said: "The member has brought a sweeping and drastic amendment. It is not possible to bring this change."
Nagaland in a way is a special state and through Article 371 A (1)(a) the state has been given freedom to decide on issues related to religious or social practices of the Nagas, he said.
Stating that the government is concerned about the issue, Rijiju said "We share the unique character of Nagaland and we acknowledge the concerns. We are not denying the importance of it. ...I must go by the sanctity of the Constitution."
"We are open to any kind of discussion at political level. Some discussions are already going on," he said and sought the member to withdraw the bill.
The NDA government is two-months old and it is understanding the issue, he said and assured that concerns of unrecognised tribal communities in the state will be taken care of.
Withdrawing the bill, the Naga People's Front (NPF) member Zhimomi said the bone of contention is ownership and transfer of land and resources in the state and this issue need to be addressed.
"As it is a private member bill, there is no option than to withdraw it. I appeal the government to adopt whatever can be from the bill and bring it as government bill," he said.
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