DNSU urges public action to protect Naga identity and land rights
Dimapur, May 29 (MExN): The Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU) has raised alarm over what it termed as a growing crisis of “fraudulent indigenous certificates” being acquired and misused by certain non-Naga individuals to illicitly claim indigenous status in Nagaland.
In a statement, the DNSU condemned the practice, stating that it “directly infringes upon the rights of the indigenous people of Nagaland” and constitutes a “grave threat to the very social, cultural, and legal framework safeguarding the unique identity and ancestral land rights of the Naga community.”
The Union said it has uncovered “compelling evidence” of individuals securing indigenous status “through deceptive means,” and warned that such fraudulent documents were being used to “unlawfully purchase or claim ownership of land and to avail themselves of other benefits explicitly reserved for bonafide indigenous citizens.”
Calling this a direct affront to the fundamental rights of Nagas, the DNSU said it has “diligently compiled and are in the final stages of verifying the details of these fraudsters.” It added, “The names of all individuals found guilty of these deplorable acts will be made public in due course.”
The Union warned that it would pursue “all available avenues, including robust legal recourse, to dismantle this nexus of corruption.”
The DNSU further appealed to civil society organizations and community-based groups across Nagaland to “unequivocally reject and refrain from providing any form of shelter, support, or advocacy for individuals proven to have forged or misused indigenous certificates.” Such actions, it said, contribute to “the insidious dilution of indigenous rights and legal safeguards, while simultaneously fostering rampant corruption within our administrative systems.”
In an added appeal to tribal and community organizations, the Union urged that individuals holding public positions within their groups “be entirely free from political party affiliations.” “It is paramount that leaders representing community interests remain scrupulously impartial and dedicated solely to the welfare and upliftment of the community,” the DNSU stated, adding that “political bias or loyalty invariably hinders genuine community development” and politicizes issues that require a cultural or communal approach.
The Union also expressed grave concern over what it described as the widespread “benami” system being exploited in Nagaland. It alleged that non-locals, in connivance with “unscrupulous Naga individuals, politicians, and even elements within Naga political groups/Underground factions,” are using proxies to violate land protection laws.
It reaffirmed that Article 371A of the Constitution of India explicitly protects the land and resources of Nagaland, and that “non-locals are legally prohibited from purchasing land within Nagaland.” Any transaction that violates this protection, including through proxy ownership or fraudulent certificates, is “illegal, null and void, and will be challenged,” the Union said.
The DNSU also issued a stern warning to any government official involved in facilitating the issuance of fraudulent documents or enabling such illegal transactions. “Such actions will be met with the strongest possible condemnation and appropriate action,” it stated. The same warning was extended to any Naga individual “protecting, aiding, or abetting these fraudsters and their illegal activities.”
“Nagas have shed enough blood to protect our identity, our land, and our future. We cannot, and will not, afford to shed any more blood defending what is rightfully ours due to internal corruption and external exploitation,” the Union declared. “This struggle demands unity, vigilance, and decisive action from every citizen.”
The DNSU also expressed its appreciation to the district administration and the State government for their proactive role in implementing the Inner Line Permit (ILP) in Dimapur. It commended non-local civil society organizations for recognizing the importance of ILP in safeguarding indigenous rights and urged their continued cooperation.
“We implore every citizen to remain exceptionally vigilant, report any suspicious cases promptly to the concerned authorities or directly to the DNSU, and actively participate in safeguarding the inviolable rights and cherished identity of the indigenous people of Nagaland,” it said.
“This critical issue affects every Naga,” the DNSU stressed, “and carries profound long-term consequences for the socio-political and economic stability of our indigenous population.”
