DNSU to file FIR against Nirmal Jain after cancellation of fraudulent indigenous certificate, seeks probe into land deals.
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DIMAPUR — Following the cancellation of a Non-Naga Indigenous Inhabitant Certificate allegedly obtained through fraudulent means by Nirmal Jain, the Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU) has resolved to file a First Information Report (FIR) against him.
Addressing a press conference in Dimapur, DNSU general secretary Michael Kath informed that the decision was taken during an emergency assembly held on Friday.
Kath said that the cancellation of the certificate was not merely a victory for DNSU but for the entire Naga community striving to safeguard its identity and rights.
He stated that the FIR would call for a thorough investigation into the alleged fraudulent procurement of the certificate and the extent of deception involved.
He further added that the union would press the authorities to examine any land or property dealings linked to the case and take necessary action, including the seizure of illegally acquired assets.
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DNSU president Hinoto P Aomi said that forgery is a criminal offence and those responsible must face the law.
On whether the union would pursue similar cases, Aomi maintained that no one is above the law and that DNSU would act on any credible information affecting the interests of the Naga people. However, he appealed to the public to actively report such cases, noting that the union alone cannot address all issues due to its limited tenure and responsibilities.
Aomi alleged that Jain had attempted to shift the blame onto the authorities, but maintained that the certificate was obtained through misrepresentation of personal details submitted to the authority.
On the issue of confiscating properties already sold, he said that the matter should be left to the legal process and competent authorities. He reiterated that strict action must be taken and added that if Jain intends to reside in Nagaland, he must comply with existing regulations, including obtaining an Inner Line Permit (ILP).
While acknowledging that not all officials may be directly at fault, Aomi said that corruption cannot be ruled out in cases involving land encroachment and the issuance of multiple land pattas for the same property.
Assistant general secretary Rukuwezo Wetsah termed the development a victory for the Naga people against the misuse of government machinery. He said the case should serve as an eye-opener for officials to ensure stringent verification processes before issuing indigenous certificates.
He asserted that DNSU would remain vigilant and would not hesitate to expose similar cases if individuals attempt to exploit the system.
Wetsah further raised concerns over instances of Naga women married to non-locals obtaining Scheduled Tribe certificates and said this is an issue DNSU cannot address alone. He called upon all tribal bodies to treat it as an eye-opener and take collective responsibility.
He urged tribal organisations across Nagaland to conduct their own investigations and work in coordination to address such cases. Terming the practice as fraudulent, he emphasised that such certificates should not be wrongfully obtained and that strict measures must be taken to prevent misuse.
The union also called for a review of existing land laws, pointing out that long-term lease arrangements of 90 to 99 years effectively grant ownership-like control to non-indigenous individuals. It stressed the need for legal reforms to prevent such practices.
The DNSU reiterated its appeal to all tribal bodies to work collectively in addressing issues related to fraudulent claims to indigenous and ST status in order to safeguard the rights and identity of the Naga people.