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Neiphiu Rio with Y Patton and Temjen Toy in Chümoukedima on Saturday.[/caption]
Dimapur, July 20 (EMN): Continuing its public consultation on the Register of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN), the government of Nagaland held a discussion with the non-Naga community in Chümoukedima on Saturday.
According to a DIPR report, the participants, among others, included representatives from Assamese Samaj Dimapur, Agarwal Samaj Dimapur, Brahmin Samaj Dimapur, Bengali Samaj Dimapur, Bihari Samaj Dimapur, Nagaland Bhojpuri Samaj Dimapur, Nagaland Gorkha Association Kohima, Gurudwara Sriguru Singh Sabha Dimapur, SD Jain Samaj Dimapur, Maheshwari Samaj Dimapur, Meitei Samaj Dimapur, Muslim Council Dimapur, Oswal Samaj Dimapur, and Chumukedima Hindu Society.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio expressed gratitude to the representatives of various communities stating that it was the first time the state government and non-Naga community were having discussion on the RIIN.
Rio explained that the RIIN has been introduced because a proper system for protection and security of the legal citizens is required. “Our intention is to protect the legal Indian citizens and not to harass them,” he said.
Rio reasoned that unless a system to check ‘illegal immigrants’ is established, Dimapur would be in ‘shambles and would not be liveable later on.’ He felt that the proposed RIIN would give protection to the genuine people and communities, who are permanent settlers in the state.
On the issue of ILP, Rio said that under 16-Point Agreement clause 16, even Indian citizens needs ILP. In the Northeast, tribal people, government employees (both central and state) with their immediate family members, students pursuing education are exempt, he explained.
The chief minister called upon the non-Naga community to join hands and work together to make Nagaland a vibrant and peaceful state.
Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton said that the objective of RIIN was to prevent issuance of false Indigenous Inhabitant Certificates.
It would be ensured that the entire exercise for RIIN is carried out in everybody’s interest so that the rights of each and every citizen is protected, Patton said. “The state government assures every citizen that no community would be discriminated and no decision concerning the exercise for creation of RIIN would be taken in haste.”
Chief Secretary Temjen Toy said that RIIN or ILP would be an ongoing process where views and opinions of every stakeholder would be taken on board so that no community feels discriminated. He informed that a committee has been set up to address and study issues pertaining to RIIN.
After thorough deliberations, the report stated, doubts and apprehensions concerning RIIN were cleared and the various communities extended their support to the exercise.