The Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU) has brought to light an alleged case of large-scale land fraud involving a non-Naga individual, raising serious concerns over the misuse of Indigenous Certificates (ICs) and illegal land transactions in the state.
At a press conference held on Wednesday, DNSU leaders revealed that a non-local individual, identified as one Nirmal Jain, had fraudulently obtained an Indigenous Certificate in 2002 by falsely claiming lineage to a person listed in the 1964 electoral roll. This, they said, enabled him to engage in numerous unauthorized land purchases and transactions in Nagaland over the years.
DNSU officials stated that their findings are backed by substantial documentary evidence, including records showing that the individual in question falsely linked his identity to a legitimate voter listed in the 1964 roll. However, according to DNSU, the man listed Balchand Jain did not have a son named Nirmal Jain, and his family had reportedly migrated to Manipur long ago.
The union also revealed that the alleged fraudster has been actively engaged in selling land to other non-locals, many of whom also lack proper documentation or ICs. DNSU claimed that several of the land documents have been tampered with, including manipulation of dag numbers, pointing to a larger nexus involving possible insider collusion.
DNSU general secretary Michael Kath and president Hinoto P. Aomi asserted that while the union has no issue with non-Nagas residing or working peacefully in the state, it strongly opposes illegal activities that undermine indigenous land rights. They expressed concern over the alleged influence and political connections the individual enjoys, which have reportedly allowed him to evade scrutiny for years.
According to the union, Nirmal Jain arrived in Nagaland in the early 1980s, briefly working as an accountant, before allegedly expanding his activities into land dealings. DNSU claimed that he boasted of close links with high-ranking politicians, bureaucrats, and underground elements during their interactions with him.
The union also alleged that Jain had been involved in similar fraudulent activities in Delhi before returning to Nagaland after drawing the attention of law enforcement agencies there.
Despite being given several chances, DNSU said Nirmal Jain had failed to provide proof that his parents were residents of Nagaland prior to 1963, an essential requirement for obtaining an Indigenous Certificate.
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The union announced that it will be submitting a formal complaint to the Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur, urging the state government to initiate a full investigation into the matter and take appropriate legal action. DNSU also appealed to political leaders, bureaucrats, and other influential individuals to refrain from shielding those involved in such fraudulent acts.
DNSU leaders questioned why, while the state government is capable of evicting Nagas from government land, it appears reluctant to act against non-locals allegedly occupying land through illegal means. They called on the government to uphold its role as protector of the indigenous population and take immediate steps to prevent further encroachment and exploitation.
Also present at the press briefing were DNSU assistant general secretary Azo Wetsah, finance secretary Kezevi Natso, education secretary Kevin Gonmei, and information and publicity secretary Botoka Sumi, who collectively reiterated the union’s stance and commitment to safeguarding indigenous rights through lawful and democratic means.
