Editor,

The term ‘Dafla’ was officially replaced with ‘Nyishi’ in the Scheduled Tribe list for Arunachal Pradesh through the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Amendment) Act, 2008 (Act No 14 of 2008). The Act received the assent of the president of India on 1 April, 2008, thereby recognising Nyishi as the official nomenclature for the community.

Despite this legislative change, the name Dufflaghur Tea Estate, established in 1917 during the colonial era, continues to be in use in Assam. Since the name is derived from the term ‘Dafla’, its continued usage is a matter of concern for many members of the Nyishi community, who consider the term outdated and inconsistent with the official nomenclature recognised by the Government of India.

In view of the above, I respectfully appeal to the Government of Arunachal Pradesh to take up the matter with the Government of India and the authorities concerned for review and renaming of Dufflaghur Tea Estate, as well as the removal of any trademark or official usage associated with the term ‘Dafla’.

Such a measure would be in harmony with the spirit of the Constitution, respect the identity and dignity of the Nyishi people, and align public and commercial nomenclature with the terminology officially recognised by the Government of India.

I therefore earnestly request the Government of Arunachal Pradesh to initiate appropriate correspondence and necessary action with the Government of India and other relevant authorities in this regard.

Lota Singhi