NSCN (I-M) opposes RIIN

DIMAPUR, JUL 12 (NPN) | Publish Date: 7/12/2019 11:50:29 AM IST

NSCN (I-M) said it is opposed to the state government’s decision for the Register of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN), on the ground that this was “contradictory to the inherent rights” of Nagas.

In a statement, NSCN (I-M) through the MIP said the move to introduce RIIN was “politically motivated” to suit the interest of groups advocating the ‘16-Point Agreement’. It asserted that Nagaland State did not and would not represent the “national decision” of Naga people as the State was formed purely to divide Nagas.

NSCN (I-M) said that since nothing was conclusive on the Naga issue until and so unless a mutually agreed honourable political solution was signed between the two entities, any attempt to dilute the final political settlement by justifying any past accord of treason should be seriously viewed by all Nagas.

NSCN (I-M) reiterated that all Nagas were indigenous in their ancestral and homeland that was contiguous, affirming that this was the legitimate right and political decision of Nagas to live together under one political roof.

Further it said Nagas do not and would not accept any division by “imposed artificial state” and international boundaries. It said this was the key focus of all Nagas and any political steps to be taken should be in conjunction with this decision.

NSCN (I-M) maintained that all Naga territories was officially acknowledged even by the Government of India as the legitimate right of Nagas “except by a few treacherous opportunists opposed to it”. It said wherever they are, Nagas are indigenous in their own land by virtue of their common history. Reaffirming to uphold this principle to the last, NSCN (I-M) said this should not be “ distorted by anyone under any circumstances.”

WC, NNPGs stand on RIIN exercise

DIMAPUR, JUL 21 (NPN) | Publish Date: 7/21/2019 11:20:46 AM IST

Working Committee (WC), Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) has said that Nagaland government must delve into the preamble to Naga peace process before embarking on the proposed exercise for Register of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN).

Media cell WC, NNPGs, maintained that Nagaland government must peruse on the agreed position drawn between NNPGs and the Government of India. WC pointed out that the Government of India recognized the historical and political rights of the Nagas along with Naga customary practices and procedures and the right to self determine their future.

It pointed out that all entries together with others in the November 17,2017 agreement reinstated the ‘sovereign rights’ enjoyed by the Nagas at the time India became an Independent Nation.

WC reiterated that every village maintained a record of their population and to issue personal identity cards under the seal of the village authority. Even in the case of Naga women marrying non-Nagas and outsiders, it said they shall not have the right to have Naga identity of Nagaland including their offsprings.

WC also affirmed that safeguarding Naga lineage and prevent genetic pollution was an indigenous practice which the ancestors did not have nor need modern scientific and technical names for such innovations of the present days, but instilled such practices and traditions within the Naga Society.

In Nagaland, WC said citizenship of the Nagas was totally vested within the village authority and that no one without certification of origin from any village or parent village can be enrolled into the records of the Nagaland government.

WC maintained that as per Naga customary law and procedure, any Naga living in Nagaland without ancestral lineage from any parent village within Nagaland boundaries, cannot be a citizen of Nagaland, including those from Naga territories outside the present Nagaland.

According to WC, the only revenue land in Nagaland was Dimapur Mouza, over which the Nagaland government can enforce any law made on all such matters.

In order to enumerate and certify the identity of the Nagas or to create any such registry, WC said the government of Nagaland should “endorse Village Authorities of the respective Naga Countries.”

It further stated that non-Nagas or Nagas who were not from Nagaland cannot own any piece of land in Nagaland and “shall not be enlisted as bona fide inhabitants of Nagaland.”

Further, it said that descendents, who had established villages prior to the withdrawal of British from the Naga countries can alone be treated as Indigenous Inhabitants, provided they have records of paying tributes to Parent Naga Villages.

With position of demographic distribution and stratification well established and structured systematically through the ages, WC said the question of ownership of land in Nagaland does not arise for “non-Nagas or Nagas who do not belong to any village of any Naga tribes of Nagaland.”

WC therefore, suggested that Nagaland government take cognizance of the underlying principles of Naga customary laws, practices and procedures of the Nagas on this matter.

It also urged upon all social, political organizations and NGOs to desist from issuing any certificate of Indigenous/origin/citizen certificates or make such recommendations to any of the offices “so as to keep our history clear for future generation.”

Nagaland: Eastern Naga national workers refute NNPGs’ statement on RIIN

By EMN / August 1, 2019 / Comments Offon Nagaland: Eastern Naga national workers refute NNPGs’ statement on RIIN

Dimapur, July 31 (EMN): The Eastern Naga National Workers’ Forum (ENNWF) has taken a strong exception to the recent statement made by the Working Committee (WC) of Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) on the proposed Register of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN) that ‘any person (s) living in Nagaland including those Nagas from outside the present Nagaland state who came after the 1st December, 1963 shall not be entitled indigenous status.’

The ENNWF stated in a press release that it considers the statement as a “distortion of Naga history.”

“The eastern Naga people though ignorant as we are, we too understand that all Nagas are one and there is no black Nagas or white Nagas. We Nagas are living in a compact area of our own ancestral domains called Nagalim. And that we are for all Nagas, and for all Naga territories (sic),” read the statement.

“The terms – Nagaland Nagas, Assam Nagas, Manipur Nagas, Arunachal Nagas and Burma Nagas are derogative languages of the colonial powers. All Nagas without exception are indigenous in their homeland. Indigenousness of a Naga should be traced from a common history, common bloodline, common culture, common territory and common identity,” it added.

The forum went on to say that this “natural entity” can never be traced from the 16-point agreement or any political accord. It said all Nagas are equal partners in the national resistance movement and the Eastern Nagas are no exception.

“No one would deny the fact that the Eastern Naga people have also selflessly contributed immensely towards the cause. We have suffered horrible persecutions and oppressions in the hands of the enemies for defending every inch of Naga territories,” said the forum, adding that NNPG leaders seem to have forgotten food and shelter provided by the people of the region for decades.

“But now, are we to be treated as outsiders or foreigners in the Nagaland state? Is this the freedom you teach us? Is this the price of freedom we have paid for? We are simply shocked of your deceitful mindset,” said the forum.

While expressing surprise at the statement of the WC of NNPGs, it expressed hope that it will not dampen the spirit of oneness of the Nagas and “no force can separate them from one Naga family under one political umbrella.” “We are for one Naga family and we stand for unity of all Nagas,” added the statement.

ENNWA responds to ENNWF’s reaction to WC

DIMAPUR, AUG 2 (NPN) | Publish Date: 8/2/2019 12:04:42 PM IST

Responding to the recent statement issued by the Eastern Naga National Workers Forum (ENNWF), which had reacted to the statement of WC, NNPGs on RIIN concerning Nagas from outside the present Nagaland, the Eastern Nagaland National Workers Association (ENNWA) GPRN/NSCN Friday said the present political position of the Nagas in each territorial boundary should be taken into consideration while taking up the matters on the identity of the Nagas.

In a press statement, secretary ENNWA, GPRN/NSCN said the direction that NNPGs issued in the matter “strongly adheres to the Naga customary Practices and procedures and confines only to the present political State of Naga LAND. It has no bearing on the Naga LIM.”

According to ENNWA, it was an “established indoctrination in the Naga customs” that in the internal matters of one tribe, another tribe cannot intervene. Each tribe of Nagaland, it said has a well established territory, politically well demarcated and customarily known as Naga country.

Asserting that a bona fide Naga was identified by his village and clan, the ENNWA said “These cardinal principles and procedures still in practice cannot be thwarted or destroyed by the vested interests of the Nagas from other territories or states or countries.”

Further, ENNWA said that there was no authority other than or above the ancestral village, which has the power and authority to issue any form of identity to a Naga. “Only such Nagas identified with clan and village alone can have a stake in the customary and political affairs of the Nagas of Nagaland,” it said, adding that Nagas of Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, likewise, have their own respective identities and customary systems.

ENWWA also stated that it was beyond the competence and powers of any authority outside the purview of the customary system of one Naga territory to certify, identify or interfere with same affairs of another territory. It said that such violations or authoritarian indulgence in the territorial boundaries of one tribe by any authority or tribe from another territory would be an infringement on the sovereign constituent powers of the respective village authorities and the internal affairs of that Naga tribe.

“In the same way, Nagas of Burma cannot endorse the Indigenous Inhabitant identity of the Nagas of Nagaland or any other state and vice versa,” it added.

ENNWA maintained that any Naga from one linguistic and tribal territory settled in the land of another tribe cannot indulge in the affairs of that tribe.

Further, according to ENNWA, whether it be citizenship or identity, the rights of individual Nagas flows from the authority vested within the Villages of their birth. “There should be no questions raised from any quarters on these matters,” it asserted.

It said that customary system should not be left open for political debates and statutory interventions “through such conflicting arguments in the public forum.” If any clarification on any matter was required, ENWWA said the concerned organisations through their representative Tribal bodies were free to raise the matters with NNPGs, adding that the doors were open for anyone to understand and deliberate on critical issues.

It stated that NNPGs opinion on RIIN was “in good faith to clearly identify who is who in this complicated world.” It stated that sacrifices and untold sufferings and the agonies of the “eastern Naga (Burma Naga) people for the national cause is held fresh in our minds and will be written with golden letters in the annals of the history of the Naga National Movement.” However, ENWWA said that Nagas of Nagaland cannot certify them as indigenous inhabitants of Nagaland state. It has, therefore, stated that the question of “undermining or betraying” them did not arise. “We are addressing the matters pertaining to state of Naga- L(and) and not about Naga L(IM),” it underscored.

Debate in Nagaland Assembly session on Aug 6 & 8, 2019

Oppn attacks PDA govt on RIIN, ILP issue

Correspondent KOHIMA, AUG 6 (NPN) | Publish Date: 8/6/2019 12:38:37 PM IST

PDA government’s move to implement Registration of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN) and the Inner Line Permit (ILP) dominated the first day of the fourth session of the 13th Assembly session which began on Tuesday.

Opposition members slammed the State government for not keeping its commitment in implementing ILP in Dimapur district and instead trying to divert the issue by bringing in RIIN.

Initiating the discussion on matters of urgent public importance pertaining to ILP and RIIN, opposition legislator Dr Chotisuh Sazo hit out at the state government for constituting a commission for RIIN by issuing a notification of July 26 despite the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) listing in the provisional programmes of business for the current session on July 25 for a full day discussion.

He said the July 26 notification undermined the Nagaland Legislative Assembly.

He said it was difficult to understand the intention of the government why it was in a hurry to implement RIIN instead of implementing ILP in toto.

Maintaining that it was more urgent and important to implement ILP, Sazo expressed apprehension that many Nagas would be left out from RIIN in their own villages if December 1, 1963 was strictly taken as a cut-off date.

He said because the then undivided NNC/FGN cadres had stopped many villagers from getting enrolled in the census of 1961 and 1971, many Naga families were not enrolled in the two census. Therefore, he appealed that village councils and GBs of respective village should be entrusted for registration, if at all RIIN was implemented.

The MLA feared that there would be very few Nagas of Nagaland in Dimapur district, if all the Nagas registered themselves in their respective original villages as the original Indigenous Inhabitants in the district would be mostly Kacharis, Garos and non-Nagas, which could adversely affect Nagas in matters of employment in the future.

According to Sazo, many new villages were established and recognised recently, many people from outside Nagaland had also settled in these villages and there are villages from outside Nagaland. He said if those villages were given equal status, RIIN would legitimise many non-Nagas and Nagas from outside Nagaland would get Indigenous Inhabitant Certificates for employment in future.

He also expressed concern on non-Nagas and Nagas from outside adopted by Nagas of Nagaland and asked whether student bodies or tribal bodies would allow them to be enrolled in RIIN, adding there would be a lot of complications unless proper modalities were worked out. He demanded that student bodies, tribal hohos and colony chairmen/GBs be involved in enrolment for RIIN, especially in towns so as to prevent any bogus entry.

He suggested those Nagas or non-Nagas who had migrated to Nagaland before the cut-off date could be termed as domiciled Nagas and not indigenous inhabitant Nagas, adding a different condition could be worked out for them.

Recalling that NLA has passed not less than six resolutions for integration of all contiguous Naga areas under a single administrative unit, which was the desire of Naga people, Sazo cautioned that RIIN should not be a stumbling block in integration of Nagas.

Referring to PDA’s commitment to implement ILP in Dimapur district, Sazo pointed out that many non-Nagas, especially illegal immigrants mostly from Bangladesh, were in Nagaland and, stating that this was a matter of serious concern for all, he feared the State might become like Tripura very soon, unless the illegal immigrants were checked.

He alleged that non-locals had captured the entire economy by depriving Nagas, pointing out that even taxi and bus drivers were now illegal immigrants. Stating that this was a matter of serious concern, he insisted on strict implementation and strengthening of ILP.

Joining his colleague, opposition member Vikheho Swu said the cabinet had approved implementation of ILP in Dimapur, to which NLA had given its seal of approval during the last session. As such, he asked the government to go ahead and implement ILP in Dimapur without further delay.

He said ILP and RIIN were two different issues – one was to regulate illegal entry into Nagaland and the other meant to register indigenous inhabitants of Nagaland. He remarked that the State government should have proposed RIIN only after a thorough discussion from all stakeholders.

The MLA suggested that the process to identify indigenous Naga people should be done taking into consideration many aspects, otherwise it would harm the basic fabric of Naga identity, which Nagas had held up across political borders for many years now despite the “unjust and hastily” demarcated boundaries that came into existence following the State Reorganisation Commission’s recommendations and the Rangoon Agreement of 1967 between Indian and then Burma (now Myanmar) that brought the international boundary into existence.

Swu warned that if RIIN was not handled carefully, it could lead to misunderstandings and severing of ties and healthy relationships amongst Nagas living beyond the borders of Nagaland. He reminded the House that the Angh of Longwa in Mon district still slept in India and ate in Myanmar, besides referring to the boundary dispute with Assam that still remained unresolved even as Nagaland was preparing to list out indigenous inhabitants.

He insisted that the State government must not rely on various documents like attestations, certificates and ID proofs to authentic an indigenous Naga as temporary certificates of residential proof only necessitated that an individual resides in a particular place.

He alleged that voters I-cards were randomly issued to non Nagas just to increase enrolment, which enabled the card holders to obtain other ID cards like Aadhar and PAN.

Swu also questioned whether the government was ready to clear the air over adoption of non-Nagas where establishing an indigenous identity in Nagaland through adoption had long been encouraged and promoted commonly by well-to-do families to broaden family lines.

He congratulated NSCN (I-M), the Working Committee (WC) of Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs), Eastern Naga National Workers’ Forum (ENNWF), Eastern Nagaland National Workers’ Association (ENNWA) and other groups and individuals who had initiated or joined the debate on this issue and said it was not a time to point fingers at one another or misunderstand each other’s opinion. But, he said the government must allow all opinions to flow freely so that a consensus opinion could come about that would truly determine who Nagas want to be.

NPF legislator Dr Chumbern Murry lamented that the issue of such a large magnitude was decided at the cabinet level before being discussing in NLA. Cautioning that mixing ILP and RIIN would complicate the issue, he opined that there should be a stronger executive directive.

Opposition member Yitachu remarked that RIIN and ILP could never be clubbed together. He added that RIIN was brought in at a wrong time and reminded the House of the unresolved border issue. He said RIIN and ILP should never move together and added that RIIN was not appropriate as it would even negate the census conducted by the government.

Imkong L Imchen reminded the treasury bench of the governor’s address on February 21 during the third session of the 13th NLA wherein the governor had stated that the threat posed to the society was by the illegal migrants and therefore ILP would be made applicable in the entire State, including Dimapur.

He questioned the delay in implementation of ILP in Dimapur and emphasised that ILP must be implemented without any further delay.

Taking part in the discussion, higher education, technical and tribal affairs minister Temjen Imna Along said RIIN and ILP were two different issues and meant to safeguard the indigenous inhabitants of Nagaland.

Stating that it was in the common interest of the Nagas of Nagaland, he supported the motion to implement RIIN in the State.

Agriculture minister G Kaito Aye warned that Nagas be outnumbered if ILP was not implemented and accused the opposition members for failing to attend the consultative meet, adding sometimes the members must be humble and listen to others as well.

Reacting to the opposition members’ comments, Aye said it was not wrong to identify the indigenous inhabitants of the State and asked the former not to be too critical, adding that implementing RIIN would not pose hurdles in resolving the Naga political issue.

School education advisor KT Sukhalu clarified that owing to the election model code of conduct, ILP could not be implemented on time and said the same question was raised by JCPI during the consultative meet held in Dimapur.

Stating that there were many loopholes in ILP, he said unless there was a proper mechanism to check the loopholes, it could not be implemented haphazardly.

Sukhalu explained that though Nagas talked about including all Nagas or greater Nagalim, it would take time and stressed that the State must go ahead with RIIN taking into accounts the modalities shared by civil society groups and NLA members. He appealed to the opposition members to join hands for successful implementation of RIIN and ILP.

PHED minister Jacob Zhimomi and IT&C, science & technology and renewable energy adviser Mmhonlumo Kikon also spoke in support of the motion.

NLA speaker Vikho-o Yhoshu announced that as there was less business on Thursday, the remaining discussion would be held that day.

NPF legislator Moatoshi and leader of opposition TR Zeliang and members from treasury bench, including planning and coordination minister Neiba Kronu, adviser Toshi Wangtung, deputy chief minister Y Patton and Nephi Rio will take part in the discussion on Thursday.

Govt in Catch-22 situation over RIIN

Source: Nagaland Page

Kohima, August 8: The Nagaland Government is caught between the devil and the deep blue sea over the proposed Registration of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN) as views pours in from various quarters.

While there was a consensus on checking influx of people from outside, the proposal for carrying out RIIN exercise has generated mixed reactions from various quarters, including political parties. With the Government in dilemma over the issue the only option left is to wait for the Banuo Z. Jamir Commission’s report which was constituted by the Government recently.

But observing the issue, RIIN may not see the light of the day until proper modalities and mechanisms are worked out.

Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio today categorically told the Assembly that the Government will wait for the report of the Commission and there will be further deliberation on the issue, in and outside the Assembly, to reach for a consensus decision. But he also added that Government will not go against the wishes of the people and that RIIN will not be imposed on them.

He said the proposed exercise is to weed out people who are possessing bogus indigenous certificates and regularize real indigenous people of the State. But he also admitted that RIIN will be a herculean task and time consuming. “We don’t care even if it takes time. It is very important,” he added.

The CM assured the House that Government will take people along with them to work out modalities before the exercise is carried out. “We shall take a corrective measure,” he assured.

But he said during the process of RIIN, the Government will see that no non-Naga is harassed as the exercise is to protect both Nagas and genuine non-Nagas who have settled in Nagaland, adding the purpose is to check influx of illegal immigrants.

He also suggested for correction of earlier notification on indigenous issue.

On the issue of Inner Liner Permit (ILP), Rio said the Government is also looking into effective implementation throughout the State and sought cooperation from the people. But at the same time, he took a jibe at the officers who are responsible for randomly issuing the ILP against Government’s rules and regulation. He expressed Government’s intention and view on the period of validity of ILP for business people, professionals, expertise, teachers etc. He said Nagas cannot live and progress alone. “We can’t live without them,” he said.

Rio also informed the Assembly that there is a process for documentation of Naga customary practices of all the tribes and the task has been entrusted to the respective tribes. This exercise is to have a common use of customary practices.

Taking part in the discussion on matters of urgent public importance on the RIIN and ILP today in the Assembly, former Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition T R Zeliang said there have been for and against the RIIN from various quarters which is healthy practice in a democratic set up but he also asked the Government to take up the matter in a prudent and meticulous manner instead of imposing on the people. “All members of this August House are equal in the sense that we are all elected Members, be it the Treasury bench or Opposition bench. Therefore issue which requires deliberation by the members of the Legislative Assembly needs to be first discussed in the Assembly instead of taking unilateral decisions and placing the matter before the masses as a unanimous decision,” he said.

He said while the initiative to implement RIIN would be a herculean task, the attempt of the Government to club together two different issues – RIIN and ILP is nothing more than eyewash to deviate and escape from its assurance to implement ILP in Dimapur district.
“Coming to RIIN, it is imperative to deliberate and define the term indigenous Nagas. It is understood that the Government plans to take the 1963 E/Roll as the basis to define who is an indigenous Nagas and who is not. However if you study the case of how our Naga village functions, it will throw a different a different light and open rooms for a thorough deliberations as to who is indigenous and who is not,” he told the House.

He said though Abhishek Sing Committee report has recommended for RIIN there is no clear mention and definition of indigenous Nagas other than basing it on 1963 E/Roll. “Let us take the case of adoption in a Naga family who adopts a non-indigenous Naga or worse, adopts a non-Naga while giving the person a Naga name and a Naga surname,” he said. He asked whether only Naga father and mother’s name will be entered in the list or would the name of the adopted child also be included in the list and treat the child as any other indigenous Naga. “This is only a small illustration but it brings to fore the need for further deliberations with all stakeholders otherwise the whole herculean task of maintaining this master list of Indigenous Naga will be a futile exercise and also do more harm than good,” Zeliang cautioned.

On the issue of ILP, the Leader of the Opposition insisted that no further confusion should be created among the people and the Government should implement the same stringently. He said trying to put together ILP and RIIN in the same breath would only prolong the matter and thus risk the infiltration of more illegal immigrants into the state. He asked the Government to bifurcate the issue of ILP and RIIN. He asked the Commission on RIIN to carry out an in-depth study of the matter and place their report in the House for further deliberation. Proper modalities need to be worked out so that no citizen is deprived and no hue and cry arises like with the NRC in Assam.

Deputy Chief Minister, Y. Patton said the purpose of RIIN is to check bogus indigenous people and to check influx of illegal immigrants. He said Government is committed to strength the ILP regime and that RIIN exercise will be comprehensive.

Advisor, Information and Public Relations, Toshi Wungton said there should not be discrimination while implementing the RIIN, adding that this exercise would be a tool to identify citizens of the State.

NPF legislator, Maotoshi Longkumer said implementation of ILP in Dimapur district would not be effective due to porous borders but RIIN could help check the influx of outsiders. He suggested that all trade licenses of illegal immigrants be cancelled in a time bound manner, no tenancy be given to them and stop employment of immigrants from Bangladesh.

Minister for Planning and Coordination, Neiba Kronu said Nagas are indigenous in all contiguous areas like Nagaland, Manipur, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Myanmar and therefore there is a political problem with the Government of India. He said Government’s decision to carry out RIIN was not to discriminate any genuine Indians as they have contributed much for the growth and progress of the state.

After two days of marathon discussion on the issue the House was adjourned by the Speaker Vikho-o Yhoshu without any decision or resolution on the issue. (Page News Service)