Dimasa Students’ Union rejects Nagaland CM’s comment on Kacharis

The Dimasa Students’ Union (DSU) issued a press statement on November 2 objecting to a reported comment by the chief minister of Nagaland that described the Kachari people as migrants in Dimapur. The union called the remark historically inaccurate, factually untenable and deeply hurtful to the Kachari community, as reported by The Sentinel Assam.

Objection to reported remark

In the statement, the DSU said the alleged comment disregarded the historical identity and ancestral connection of the Kachari people with the region. It demanded that the chief minister clarify the remark and exercise greater responsibility and sensitivity when speaking about indigenous communities.

Claim of indigenous heritage

The DSU highlighted that the Kacharis have a longstanding indigenous association with Dimapur, noting that the city historically served as the capital of the erstwhile Dimasa Kachari Kingdom. It added that the region’s historical and archaeological remains bear testimony to that legacy, and therefore the Kachari people cannot be "casually characterised as migrants" in a place intrinsically linked to their ancestral heritage.

Call for peaceful coexistence

While stressing the importance of peaceful coexistence among all communities residing in present-day Dimapur, the union asserted that such coexistence must not come at the cost of recognising the indigenous identity and historical legacy of the Kachari people. It argued that the historical facts and contributions of every community must be acknowledged fairly, without selectively questioning the identity and belonging of the Kacharis.

Demand for clarification and sensitivity

The DSU urged the Nagaland chief minister to provide a clear response to the reported remark and to adopt a more sensitive approach when addressing issues concerning indigenous groups. The statement, issued from Haflong, called for a balanced narrative that respects the deep-rooted connections of the Kachari community to the region.

Context of the dispute

The controversy emerged after media reports suggested the chief minister’s comment, prompting the DSU to respond promptly. The union’s reaction reflects broader sensitivities surrounding ethnic identities and historical narratives in the Northeast, where multiple communities claim ancestral ties to overlapping territories. The Sentinel Assam reported the DSU’s statements without including a direct reply from the Nagaland chief minister.

Outlook

The DSU’s demand for clarification places pressure on the Nagaland government to address the concerns raised by the Kachari community. The union emphasized that acknowledging historical facts is essential for maintaining harmony among the diverse peoples of Dimapur and the surrounding region.