Nagaland Voluntary Consumer’s Organisation (NVCO) marked the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples by underscoring the critical role of Article 371A of the Indian Constitution in safeguarding the rights of Naga Indigenous inhabitants.
According to press and media cell of NVCO, its president Kezhokhoto Savi, in his message emphasized that Article 371A is essential for protecting the Naga way of life, including control over land and resources.
Savi also reminded that under the Nagaland Land and Revenue Regulation (Amendment) Act of 1978, only Naga indigenous inhabitants are legally entitled to own land in Nagaland.
He pointed to a 2020 incident where the Chakhroma Public Organisation (CPO) alleged that non-indigenous individuals were illegally acquiring land in Dimapur, in direct violation of the act.
NVCO president also expressed growing concern over the illegal ownership of land and businesses by non-indigenous individuals and groups in Nagaland. NVCO criticized the state government for its inaction on these violations and for issuing land pattas to non-indigenous individuals, which contradicts existing regulations.
In order to tackle this matter, NVCO called on village and colony chairmen to withhold certificates that could assist non-indigenous individuals in obtaining Indigenous Inhabitants Certificates. IT also urged a halt to the practice of adopting non-indigenous persons or children, as it could lead to the misuse of indigenous status.
In addition, NVCO condemned local legislators who supported the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) and those who allowed non-indigenous individuals to be appointed to government positions.
NVCO questioned the state government’s ability to effectively enforce the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR) of 1873 (Inner Line Regulation) and curb infiltration when non-Nagas and illegal Bangladeshi immigrants control a significant portion of the markets in Nagaland.
NVCO also stressed the importance of the proposed Registered Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN) initiative, warning that it must be carefully managed to ensure it does not undermine the rights of Naga indigenous inhabitants. NVCO emphasized that the registration process should not extend to non-indigenous individuals, as this could threaten the rights and protections afforded to the native Naga population.
The cry and voices of the indigenous people must be heard on this day– “The International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, NVCO stated. “The Naga people should ensure that no mechanism exploits the rights of indigenous inhabitants of the land,” it added.