State govt firm to enumerate Kuki, Garo, Mikir and Kachari under RIIN

Morung Express News
Kohima | October 10 

Minister for Power & Parliamentary Affairs, K G Kenye, who is also the government spokesperson, reiterated that the state government will conduct enumeration in line with Register of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN) for the Kuki, Garo, Mikir (Karbi) and the Kachari communities. 

Addressing media persons after a state cabinet meeting held in Kohima today, Kenye said that the government has been very generous in not pushing back the cut-off date of 1st December 1963 and accommodating everybody.

Reacting to the discontentment expressed by the four minority tribes up to the extent of filing litigation, Kenye said that they need to understand that it is an opportunity that has been given them to be part and parcel of the state. He viewed that their contention is that all the Kuki, Mikir, Kachari and Garo whoever come to the state should be conferred indigenous status of the state. 

“We have seen the extent of their actions, to the extent of threatening the state government for litigation …if their demands are not met. At the outset I would say that that is very unbecoming of them,” Kenye stated. 

The Minister asserted this status will be offered to only those who have been living in the state prior to 1st December 1963, and the names of whose parents/ grandparents or forefathers had appeared in the electoral roll on the first state general election 1964.

Kenye said that in order to identify who falls in that category, enumeration will have to place.

Kenye also clarified that the RIIN will not impact the status of recognized Naga indigenous citizens. Instead, it will focus on identifying individuals who have historically resided in Nagaland prior to December 1, 1963. The government plans to establish a clear deadline for identifying these original settlers, which will serve as the basis for granting indigenous status.

The Minister noted that while communities such as the Kukis, Mikkirs, Garos, and Kacharis that have historically coexisted with Nagas, the government must be selective in conferring indigenous status. He underscored that the status is reserved for those whose ancestors were present in Nagaland before the specified cut-off date.

Kenye said Nagaland is home to recognized tribes who have lived on their ancestral lands for generations. Over the years, the emergence of sub- tribes has added complexity to the issue of identity. He explained that while indigenous communities in Nagaland have historically enjoyed a special status as the original settlers, this status has become increasingly sought after, leading to challenges in maintaining their distinctiveness.

The Minister outlined concerns about the potential marginalization of indigenous communities within a broader demographic landscape. He recalled the historical significance of the 16-point agreement signed with the Government of India in July 1960, which sought to integrate Naga inhabited areas into the state. 

Despite attempts to bring Naga communities from neighbouring states into the fold, communication barriers, administrative challenges and external interference, including actions by the Intelligence Bureau, prevented full participation in crucial Naga people’s conventions held in Kohima, Ungma, and Mokokchung held during late 50s, he pointed out.

Kenye also highlighted the resolutions passed by the Nagaland Legislative Assembly over the past six decades 6 times, advocating for the integration of all Naga communities. However, he maintained that reciprocation from these communities has been limited, which has affected the credibility of their claims with the central government.

“So when there is no reciprocation from our people inhabited outside the state. Certainly the weight age of our case, is lightened and has not been taken seriously by the GoI, who continue to say, you are making a claim others are not coming forward, it is only your claim.”

Addressing the issue of illegal immigration, Kenye stressed the urgency of implementing protective measures to safeguard the indigenous population. He highlighted the reinstatement of the 1873 Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation Act in 2019, which provides a legal framework for the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system, allowing the state to control migration and protect indigenous rights.

On Naga repatriation 
On the issue of repatriation of Naga ancestral human remains which is being initiated by the Forum for Naga Reconciliation-Recover Restore and Decolonise (FNR-RRAD), Kenye, while acknowledging FNR’s efforts, asserted that the state government is ready to step in and assist in any way in the matter of repatriating Naga cultural heritage.

He also added that these artefacts are not contraband or illegal items but are the rightful property of the Naga people. 

Assuring the involvement of the state government in ensuring that the repatriation process follows the correct channels and is carried out in accordance with international norms, Kenye reiterated the government’s commitment to protect its cultural heritage and that Naga artefacts are returned to their rightful place.