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DIMAPUR — The Sümi Hoho has appealed to Nagaland government for prompt and effective implementation of the Register of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN).
In a press statement, the apex Sümi tribal organisation described RIIN as an essential initiative to safeguard the identity, rights, and privileges of the indigenous people of Nagaland.
“We recognise that in a rapidly changing world, where external influences and migrations continue to shape our region, it is more critical than ever to protect the indigenous people’s distinct identity and cultural heritage.
“The RIIN serves as a legal safeguard to prevent the dilution of indigenous rights, allowing only those with genuine ties to the land to claim the benefits and protections afforded to native inhabitants. Without RIIN, there is a risk of misrepresentation, which could result in the erosion of our cultural fabric,” the statement read.
It reasoned that RIIN is necessary to maintain social harmony. “By clearly defining and documenting who qualifies as an indigenous inhabitant, we can prevent future conflicts or confusion over land ownership, customary laws, and political representation,” it added.
The Sümi Hoho commended Nagaland government’s recent decision to move forward with the implementation of RIIN and urged its swift execution. It maintained that there should be a uniform cut-off date of December 1, 1963 across Nagaland, including Dimapur.
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“The alternative cut-off date of November 21, 1979, proposed for Dimapur, is not acceptable as it would create inconsistencies in the verification process. A single, unified cut-off date is essential for fairness and to uphold the integrity of the indigenous identity throughout the state,” it asserted, and assured of its cooperation with the government and relevant authorities to facilitate a smooth and fair verification process.
At the same time, it urged the government to maintain strict measures to prevent misuse of the process.
“This is not to exclude anyone, but to ensure that the RIIN fulfils its original purpose of protecting the rights of indigenous people in a way that is fair and just to all. Any claims must be handled carefully to avoid errors or exploitation of the system.
“The Sümi Hoho calls on the government of Nagaland to implement RIIN without delay, following the cut-off date of December 1, 1963, uniformly across all regions,” it added.