DIMAPUR, JULY 3 (MExN): The Janata Dal (U), Nagaland has appreciated the decision of the PDA to bring Dimapur under the purview of Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR) 1873 as well as to introduce the system of preparation for Register of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN).
The JD (U), in a press communiqué, however expressed concern that unless certain crucial issues are addressed as a prelude to implementing the above pressing requirements, the very purpose of the PDA government stand to be defeated.
In the first, the JD (U) pointed out that the issue of ‘Adoption’ must be earnestly addressed. It stated that the Indian Constitution Article 371 (A) guarantees rights of Naga customary and procedures. Therefore, the ‘Adoption’ of non-Nagas by Nagas as per customary law becomes significant.
In this connection, it said the question whether these adopted non-Nagas, as per the special guarantees of the Indian constitution, will be given indigenous rights becomes a subject matter of serious concern, adding that it can open a flood gate for conversion by default given the fact that Nagas are vulnerable. To combat this, the JDU suggested for an elaborate law on ‘Adoption’ through legislation of the State Assembly urgently addressing all requirements and also taking all stake holders into confidence.
Further, the JD (U) felt that given the clarity of December 1, 1963 as the basis for the entitlement to be given recognition as an indigenous inhabitant of Nagaland, there should a thorough sensitisation of the Naga populace, especially, the village councils through workshops and seminars by involving civil societies, students bodies and tribal organisations as preliminary exercise before the main policy of RIIN is launched.
Meanwhile, the JD (U) also whole heartedly welcomed the outright dismissal of the PIL on ILP by the Supreme Court. It also condemned those behind the petition which was against the Nagas, be it individual or society.
