Success of RIIN depends on village councils, says Nagaland CM

DIMAPUR — Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Saturday said the village council has the authority to issue the Indigenous Inhabitant certificate to any eligible citizen but warned against misusing the power as it may invite legal action from the government.

Regarding the Register of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN), Rio said that Naga people were the native citizens of Nagaland, and the village councils were the guardians of traditional and customary laws, and to implement it successfully depended on the village councils.

The CM also urged the administration and police to assist in implementing RIIN in a corrective manner.

Rio was speaking at the Kohima District Planning and Development Board (DPDB) meeting and felicitation programme of the newly elected legislators of 14th NLA from Kohima district at DPDB Hall, Kohima.

Rio said even the British did not involve themselves in the Naga village level since “election process becomes dirty and corrupt”, and therefore encouraged “selection and head count process” at the village level, “to keep village affairs fair and transparent and to safeguard traditional and customary law and its governance”, stated to an update from DPRO Kohima.

Meanwhile, emphasising on the ULB election, Rio said that the government tried its best to bring more opportunities to its citizens, “so many negative impacts and social unrest had been faced”. Therefore, not to face a similar situation like in 2017, the government repealed the Nagaland Municipal Act 2001 in toto, he said, adding that discussion with stakeholders will take place “where concrete decisions will be made for the good of the state”.

Further, the chief minister also suggested holding DPDB meetings at different venues in the future to make it more interesting and constructive, to give special emphasis on a particular area, to see the works that have been achieved, and to identify developmental activities that need to be given more focus.

Rio asked the district officers to be aware of the important historical places; and the Tourism department to give more importance in training tourist guides with special focus in rural areas by providing basic facilities.

While thanking the DPDB for organising the programme, he sought active participation from all the district officers to make Kohima a real Smart City in Nagaland.

Rio also thanked and congratulated the district administration, police and other line departments for their tireless efforts and effective cooperation for the successful conduct of G20/B20 Summit in Kohima and peaceful conduct of State General Election.

Advisor of Prisons, Printing and Stationeries, Kropol Vitsu, in his short speech, expressed gratitude to the chief minister for assigning him as the chairman of Kohima DPDB. He said under the leadership of Rio, the elected legislators will lead the district in terms of planning and development, for which he sought the members to extend their full cooperation and contribute constructive suggestions as per the policies and programmes of the government.

Deputy Commissioner Kohima Shanavas C chaired the programme and also delivered the welcome address by felicitating the newly elected legislators. District Education Officer, Emilo Patton invoked God’s blessing and vote of thanks was proposed by DPO and member Secretary DPDB, Vilhoutuonuo Sachu.

Minister of Women Resource Development and Horticulture, Salhoutuonuo Kruse; MLA Kevipodi Sophie and MLA Tseilhoutuo Rhutso also attended the felicitation programme. RIIN