AIMTN renews call to review ‘discriminatory’ RIIN exercise

DIMAPUR — The Association of Indigenous Minority Tribes of Nagaland (AIMTN)— representing Kachari, Kuki, Garo, and Mikir (Karbi) communities—clarified their stance on the Register of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN), stating that while they support the initiative, they oppose the government’s decision to implement it selectively on only the four minority tribes.

During a press conference on Sunday, Kuki Inpi Nagaland President L Singsit emphasised that AIMTN is not against RIIN itself but the “discriminatory” manner in which it is being implemented.

Clarifying that the association fully supports RIIN and its objectives, Singsit said that the policy was a result of extensive consultations and deliberations involving all tribal hohos and stakeholders, including the four minority tribes, spanning several years.

“Even the cut-off date of December 1, 1963, was not imposed by the government but was a unanimous decision made by all the tribes and stakeholders,” he said.

However, the state government issued an order on September 20, announcing an enumeration exercise for the four tribes, causing concerns among people belonging to these tribes, he said.

While AIMTN has submitted a representation to the Chief Minister through the Chief Secretary, requesting for a review of the cabinet decision, they are yet to receive a response, he added.

Meanwhile, questioning the rationale behind singling out these communities, Singsit stated that there may be ethnic differences but the four tribes have been part of Nagaland since time immemorial and its members have integrated into Naga society. As such, the government’s order, singling out only the four tribes have created apprehension among the people, he reiterated.

When asked if they would oppose the government’s decision to proceed with the RIIN enumeration of the four minority tribes, he responded that the AIMTN would not oppose it. However, “it is neither fair nor justified and being citizens of the state, we also wish to be treated equally,” he said, adding that the Constitution of India guarantees fundamental rights to justice and equality for all its citizens.

Singsit further stated that the association is requesting the government to review the order and implement RIIN for all tribes simultaneously. “We hope the authorities will approach this issue with compassion and reconsider, ensuring that RIIN is implemented, but applied to all tribes together, rather than selectively,” he added.

Also read: Sümi Hoho calls for prompt RIIN enforcement, single cut-off date