Naga Scholars Association hosts panel discussion on RIIN at JNU

November 6, 2024 3 Views No Comment

NEW DELHI, NOVEMBER 6 (MExN): The Naga Scholars Association (NSA) organized a Panel Discussion cum General Body Meeting (GBM) on November 2 at the School of Social Sciences (SSS-1), Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi. The session, which attracted a diverse group of scholars, students, and academics, was focused on the theme ‘Register of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland’ (RIIN) and aimed to provide a balanced and nuanced understanding of this significant initiative.

The session began with opening remarks from Dr Apila Sangtam, General Secretary of NSA, followed by a welcome address by Dr Kharingpam Ahum Chahong, President of NSA. The discussion was moderated by Dr Shelmi Sankhil, Assistant Professor at Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University, New Delhi.

The panel discussion revolved around the purpose, implications, and public response to the RIIN initiative. RIIN is a proposed register that aims to officially document indigenous inhabitants of Nagaland—those settled in the state before 1963—in order to prevent fraudulent claims and ensure that state resources, including jobs, are reserved for genuine locals. However, the initiative has raised concerns among many, with critics warning that it could lead to further divisions within society and exclude marginalized groups.

The first speaker, Akhum Longkumer, a member of the Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR), expressed concerns about the policy’s alignment with the ground realities of Naga society. Longkumer questioned whether the RIIN would promote unity or deepen parochialism.

Drawing on Michel Foucault’s theory of governmentality, he critiqued the state’s growing control over indigenous identity, emphasizing the need for more inclusive, community-driven methods for safeguarding indigenous rights. He also highlighted constitutional provisions, such as Article 371A and the 16-point agreement, questioning their compatibility with the RIIN framework and their implications for Naga self-determination.

The second speaker, Dr Ngoru Nixon, Assistant Professor at the School of Law, Governance and Citizenship, Dr B.R Ambedkar University, Delhi, addressed the conceptual confusion surrounding the term “indigenous inhabitants” in the context of Nagaland. He compared RIIN to similar initiatives like Assam’s National Register of Citizens (NRC) and discussed the challenges faced by regions like Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur concerning Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.

Dr Nixon noted that the definition of “indigenous” has evolved over time, with earlier criteria focusing on permanent residence rather than tribal identity. He critiqued the shift towards an exclusive definition under RIIN, which now limits eligibility to members of Nagaland’s 15 recognized tribes, a move that excludes groups like the Kuki and Kachari.

Dr Nixon also explored the overlap between the ST certificate and the Indigenous Inhabitant certificate, questioning why the former was no longer sufficient for determining eligibility for state benefits. He outlined three key phases in the evolving understanding of indigeneity- the early transnational concept, the reliance on ST certificates in the 1970s, and the current, more exclusive framework that defines “indigenous” by tribe membership. The discussion underscored the challenges of balancing identity politics, state benefits, and community solidarity in Nagaland’s evolving policy landscape.

During the open floor discussion, panelists, including Dr Kharingpam, further elaborated on the ambiguity surrounding the term “indigenous,” emphasizing that, while the ST certificate serves as a marker for accessing government benefits, indigeneity is more about a sense of belonging and community. This led to a broader reflection on how policies like RIIN shape identity, belonging, and resource access in Nagaland and the broader northeastern region.

The session concluded with an open-ended dialogue, encouraging participants to explore the complexities of identity and state policies further

The rapporteur for the event was Maringchan, Ph.D scholar in Political Science at JNU, and the session saw active participation from approximately 40 scholars from various universities across Delhi. The closing remarks and vote of thanks were presented by Dr Aveivey D., Assistant Professor at the Department of East Asian Studies, University of Delhi, and Vice President of NSA.