Indigenous Rights Discussion at NLA

CM says protections intact as NPF leader Azo warns of gradual erosion of rights

Morung Express News
Kohima | September 4

Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and NPF Legislature Party Leader Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu today expressed differing positions on safeguarding indigenous rights during the NLA discussion on September 4.

Rio, in his concluding remarks for the NLA session, maintained that existing constitutional and regulatory safeguards continue to protect Nagas. “We are well protected. And that’s why even today, we have this ILP system in our state,” he stated, referring to the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation Act of 1873 and Article 371A. 

He recalled that the Nagas resisted British intrusion from 1832 onwards, forcing the colonial power to conclude a peace treaty in 1879. “Though they administered the Naga Hills, they did not interfere with our rural local bodies because they recognised our distinct culture and traditions. To preserve this uniqueness, the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation Act, 1873 was enacted, introducing the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system,” he said.

Rio added that confusion over safeguards persists because “we ourselves are not doing our duty - as a government, as a tribal body, as a civil society and as a responsible leaders living in the village or in any organisation.” On the issue of recognition, he said village councils are the authority. “They have to identify who is indigenous, who is not indigenous, who is native of that village. It is not the state government, nor the administrator. It is the village council who can certify that he's native of that village,” he stated.

He said suggestions raised by legislators create awareness and remind everyone of the duty to take collective responsibility. On the reservation policy raised by Dr Tseilhoutuo Rhutso, Rio said the suggestion was “mind opening,” noting that the state government had set up several committees to examine such matters and is receptive to concerns raised by tribal bodies, civil society, and members. He also highlighted the upcoming census between 2026 and 2027 and urged government agencies, teachers, civil society, and churches to ensure accurate enumeration.

Nienu, in his address before, raised concern over the entry of illegal immigrants into Nagaland. “As far as illegal immigrants entry to Nagaland is concern we don’t need any proof of evidence. We can see it with our own eyes, they have not only entered but they are now running business, they have acquired plots of land and property, manipulating documents, and have even entered their names in electoral roles using forged papers,” he said.

He stated that for indigenous people, self-determination is “a time tested right and truth and we have every right to decide who will enter and who will not enter our lands and also how we live, what we eat, how we govern ourselves, and how we engage with the land and the environment.” 

He argued that the ILP and the Register of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN) are not enough. “Our children may end up speaking others’ languages, farming others’ land, and living under another’s rules,” he said. On erosion of rights, Nienu stated, “It does not happen overnight. It happens gradually, it happens when good people remain silent.”

He called for reforms beyond symbolic measures and cited the Jokai Declaration of the North East Indigenous People’s Forum. He proposed that every state set up Departments for Indigenous Affairs. As a way forward, he suggested a physical door-to-door census of suspected illegal settlers, including profession-wise categories, shop owners, trade license numbers, drivers and daily wage earners, with names and photos. He said floating populations in Kohima and district headquarters should also be covered. He added that the report should be published in all media to create awareness and urged the state government to deploy manpower and modern resources at entry points and set up deportation centres.

The notice for discussion was supported by Dr Neisatuo Mero and Dr Sukhato A. Sema, while Minister Jacob Zhimomi, Dr Kekhrielhoulie Yhome and KT Sukhalu also participated.

NLA session 
adjourned sine die