Kohima, April 29: Militant outfits have strongly opposed the government’s decision to recognise the Mao community in Nagaland till integration and sovereignty issues are settled with the Centre.

Several political parties and other organisations have also raised eyebrows at the move.

There are at present 17 recognised Naga communities in the state — Ao, Sumi, Angami, Lotha, Chakhesang, Rengma, Kuki, Sangtam, Pochury, Yimchungru, Khiamnungan, Konyak, Chang, Konyak, Phom, Zeliang and Rongmei.

The government has recognised Manipur’s Rongmei community settled in Nagaland through the initiative of planning and co-ordination minister T.R. Zeliang despite murmurs from several quarters. The community was recognised last year through a cabinet decision.

The government has constituted a committee for recognition of the Mao community in Nagaland but political parties and Naga organisations have objected to such a move, as that would have future ramifications in Nagaland.

Maos are from Senapati district of Manipur but a few thousands of them have been living in Nagaland for some decades and the state government wanted to recognise them as one of the Naga communities in the state.

Kaisa Rio, the chief minister’s wife, belongs to the Mao community.

The National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khaplang) has issued a brickbat statement against Rio’s government, stating that the problem in the state would be further compounded, particularly in the job sector.

The Congress has opposed the move of the Naga People’s Front (NPF)-led Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN). “It may not be a good proposal,” said Nagaland PCC president and MLA S.I. Jamir.

He said Rio’s proposal for recognition of the Mao community in Nagaland might not be well received by Nagas of the state.

The state unit of the BJP said it would discuss the issue in its meeting.

NPF insiders have also criticised the chief minister’s decision, stating that there would be wider ramifications in the future when Nagas of the state would have to feel the brunt.

The NSCN (K) said it would not allow recognition of any other tribe or community in the state and warned that it would oppose tooth and nail. The outfit accused Rio of trying to create problem when state is already reeling under various issues.

Top NSCN (K) functionary Kughalu Mulatonu in a statement today said Nagaland was created for only 16 Naga communities and not for Nagas of Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. He said if Mao and Rongmei communities have to be recognised in Nagaland then the Manipur government should also return the favour.

He accused chief minister Rio of playing second fiddle to the NSCN (I-M) and cautioned that the NSCN (K) would leave no stone unturned to oppose such a move.

He also slammed the NSCN (Khole-Kitovi) for remaining a mute spectator regarding the issue.