The Sümi Hoho has appealed the Nagaland Government for the prompt and effective implementation of the Register of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN). The RIIN, it viewed, is an essential initiative to safeguard the identity, rights, and privileges of the indigenous people of Nagaland, ensuring that the unique heritage of our communities is preserved for future generations.
“We recognize 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,” stated the Hoho.
The establishment of RIIN, Sumi Hoho observed, 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. A transparent and well-implemented RIIN will also strengthen the framework for equitable development and resource allocation, ensuring that benefits and opportunities are fairly distributed among the rightful citizens of Nagaland,” it asserted.
Commending the Nagaland Government’s recent decision to move forward with the implementation of RIIN, the Sümi Hoho reiterated that the cut- off date of December 1, 1963, must be applied uniformly across all regions of 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 stated.
The need to conduct the verification process for Indigenous Inhabitant Certificates with transparency and fairness was also stressed, where the Hoho also cited the active participation of traditional village authorities and institutions.
In this regard, the Sümi Hoho pledged its full cooperation with the government and relevant authorities to facilitate a smooth and fair verification process. It also urged the government to maintain strict measures to prevent any misuse of the process. “This is not to exclude anyone, but to ensure that the RIIN fulfills 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,” stated the Hoho.
It affirmed It full cooperation in the process and commitment in safeguarding the future and identity of the indigenous people of Nagaland.
