Kohima, July 25: The Central Nagaland Tribes Council (CNTC) has urged the Nagaland government to immediately intervene over alleged coercive practices during the ongoing House Listing and Population Census in Kohima, claiming that temporary residents are being forced to undergo fresh enumeration despite already being counted in their native districts.

In an open representation submitted to Chief Secretary J. Alam on July 25, the council alleged that several residents currently living in Kohima for work, education or other purposes have been subjected to pressure, intimidation and threats to register at their present addresses, even after completing census formalities in their home villages or districts.

The CNTC further alleged that the pressure was being linked to the issuance of essential public services and documents, including ration cards, residential certificates and other civil documents.

Calling the reported practices “unlawful and deeply concerning,” the council said Kohima, as the state capital, belongs equally to every citizen of Nagaland, irrespective of tribe, and that every Naga has the right to live, work, study and earn a livelihood in the city without fear, discrimination or intimidation.

The organisation contended that the alleged actions violate the principles governing census operations under the Census Act, 1948, and infringe upon citizens’ constitutional right to move freely and reside in any part of the country.

Seeking immediate government intervention, the CNTC urged the state administration to ensure that the census exercise is conducted in a fair, impartial and lawful manner while safeguarding the rights and dignity of all citizens.

The council also expressed its willingness to cooperate fully with the government for the successful conduct of the Census, while emphasising that justice, equality, mutual respect and inter-tribal harmony must remain at the core of the exercise.