Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio clarifies purpose of RIIN for 4 minority tribes

Lauds Naga Council Dimapur’s inclusive representation

DIMAPUR — Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Saturday said that Nagaland government has notified the Register of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN) exercise for four minority tribes—Kuki, Kachari, Garo, and Mikhir (Karbi)—because a large section of these communities are residents of other Northeast states too.

“That is why we have set 1963 as the cut-off year,” he said while addressing a crowd gathered to celebrate 75 years of Naga Council Dimapur at DDSC stadium. He explained that those (from the four tribes) who had settled in the state before 1963 will be termed as non-Naga indigenous inhabitants of Nagaland.

Rio said that the state government’s 1970 notification had already declared that only Nagas will enjoy 80% reservation, and the remaining 20% is for the rest. “For this reason, RIIN will not be conducted like conducting census or electoral roll,” he said, adding that RIIN is not meant for Nagas of Nagaland.

He pointed out that under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation Act (BEFR) 1873, any tribal can buy land anywhere and settle anywhere, but they cannot become indigenous. So the enumeration of these four tribes is to identify those who had settled in the state after the cut-off year, he said, adding that “if anybody lies, it will become a criminal case and punishable.”

The chief minister informed that enforcement of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) in Dimapur is under process, but “we cannot discriminate against or do injustice to any Indian citizen because we are in the Indian Union; other communities should also be included.”

He pointed out that when Nagaland was declared a state, it was not only the Naga tribes of Nagaland but also the Kukis, Kacharis, Garos, and Mikirs (Karbis) who were settled in the state. He reminded that the BEFR Act 1873 was not passed only for Nagas.

He maintained that no outsiders can come and buy land or immovable properties. But those who had come before the deadline will be declared permanent residents, “and we cannot disqualify them, because if we do injustice, it will bring shame to the governance,” he added.

Also, the chief minister reminded that Nagaland is exempted from Panchayati Raj under the 73rd Amendment when it comes to rural bodies. He cited that the Panchayati Raj system has elections, but in Nagaland, there is selection to the village councils.

He reminded those councils with ‘Panchayati Raj halls’ to change it to village council halls.

New NCD building, DDSC stadium upgrade

Rio assured that the Dimapur District Sports Council (DDSC) stadium will be upgraded as the ground is historical and is utilised year long. He asserted that they will revamp the galleries and VIP rostrum to international standards.

He also said that, as per the request of NCD, the government will build an office for them. He shared that the Naga Club has also approached him, and since the land issue has been settled, the state government has decided to build a six-storey building for them.

Also, Rio commended the NCD’s inclusive representation, noting the council’s motto, ‘All in One’, as a guiding principle that unites 16 Naga tribes from Nagaland and four from Manipur—Tangkhul, Poumai, Mao, and Anal.

H Tovihoto Ayemi, Advisor for Tribal Affairs and Election, asked the citizens to keep alive the spirit of peace and brotherhood, and strengthen ties with one another in the spirit of unity.

Moatoshi Longkumer, Advisor for Labour, Employment and Skill Development, and Excise, also asserted that the diverse tribes, cultures, and customs are the strength of Nagas and commended the NCD for being instrumental in ensuring that the diversity is celebrated.

Etsungmomo Kikon, president of NCD, mentioned that NCD serves as a leading organisation with 24 affiliates: 16 tribes from Nagaland, 4 from Manipur, and 4 prominent Dimapur CSOs.

He informed that over the years, NCD has developed key assets, including the Naga Council plot on Nyamo Lotha Road, the Mhalie Memorial Market Complex, and the New Naga Cemetery at Zani Village, provided through the support of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio in response to public needs.

The chief minister also inaugurated the Sky-Bridge Prayer Tower at Old Naga Cemetery in Lakeview colony, Dimapur, and unveiled the monolith of Naga Council Mhalie Market Complex.

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