Rio calls for further discussion on RIIN

Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio speaking during the assembly session on August 8. (DIPR Photo)

Our Correspondent
Kohima | August 8

Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today said that “If people are not happy or it is not time then we will not go against anybody.” 

If Naga thinks that it is good for us, and for our protection then we will do, he said this in his concluding remark on discussion on Registration of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN) and Inner Line Permit (ILP) on the floor of the House here.

On recent consultation held with NGOs and civil societies and also discussion in the Assembly session,   he said “this will not be the last discussion on this ILP or RIIN” but when Commission report come, the matter will be brought back to the Assembly Session for further consultation and to even amend some notification or even give a fresh notification for corrections.

In this, he stressed on the need to have positive approach, adding that if there is any confusion, further consultation will be taken.

“I think we should have further consultation, we should wait for the Commission report and we should discuss again and we should implement,” he said.

For implementation, he said “we will have the sense of the people.” 

On ownership and transfer of land ownership and its resources, he said the Indian Constitution have recognized the customary court and practises of the Nagas.

He however said that “We had not set up our own documentation compilation.” 

He said that the government have discussed with the Commission that each tribe should be asked to write down their customary law and practises for documentation of all their customary practices. 

Each tribe has to document and compile their customary practices and that should be approved by the tribal hohos all the tribes for common use of Nagaland state.

“There should be one customary law and practises so that our customary laws are very much recognized,” he said.

Deputy Chief Minister Y. Patton said the report of Committee on ILP (Abhishek Singh Committee) while deliberating on various matters concerning the modalities of implementing ILP had come up with a recommendation for creation of a RIIN primarily for ensuring that bogus and fake indigenous inhabitants do not get issued. 

The Committee had further stated that such a Register would take care of the menace of fake and fraudulent indigenous certificates, which is one of the main reasons for illegal migration in the state.

 “The State Government is committed to strengthen the implementation of ILP regime in the entire state by extending to Dimapur and by devising suitable and full proof regulations and it is also committed to carry out the exercise of RIIN correctly and comprehensively in the interest of the people of our state, Patton said. 

Opposition leader TR Zeliang said there are many other scenarios where there would arise confusion as to who can be categorized as an ‘indigenous Naga’. 

A classic example is the practice of adopting a Non-Naga family and taking them into our Khel and Clan as our own and giving them the right to use the surname of our Khel or Clan, he said adding that there is the danger of a few unscrupulous people manipulating the system and registering themselves as an indigenous Naga under RIIN which will have far reaching ramifications for the future generations and for which our children may not forgive us for our lack of far-sightedness. 

“Now, with the creation of RIIN and taking 1963 as the base year for eligibility, these people and their offspring will be nothing more than stateless citizens. For cases such as this, I reiterate that the term ‘Indigenous Nagas’ need to be well defined before victimizing a certain section of the society who are Nagas as much as we are. I am sure my eastern Naga brothers will be among the most affected given the villages under Myanmar and their close proximity to the international boundaries, Zeliang said. As for ILP implementation in Dimapur and strengthening the same in the State, the government of the day needs not wait any further and start the process at the earliest time possible, Zeliang said.

NLA adjourned fourth session sine-die
Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) speaker Vikho-o Yhoshu today adjourned the fourth session of 13th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) sine-die after completing all the list of business.

Two Government bills on Nagaland Protection of Interests of Depositors (In financial establishments) (Amendment) Bill 2018 and Amity University Nagaland, Act 2011 (Repeal) Bill, 2019 have been passed on the floor of the House today.

Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, who also holds the portfolio of finance, moved the introduction of Bills on Nagaland Protection of Interests of Depositors (In financial establishments) (Amendment) Bill 2018 while minister for higher & technical education and tribal affairs Temjen Imna Along moved the introduction of Amity University Nagaland, Act 2011 (Repeal) Bill, 2019 on August 6 last.