Several student bodies have reacted to the fraudulent acquisition of indigenous certificates and their misuse by some non-indigenous individuals, as exposed by the Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU).
DSSU: Dimapur Sumi Students’ Union (DSSU) declared that it stood in full solidarity with the DNSU concerning the case of Nirmal Jain, who had not only allegedly procured an indigenous certificate through illegal means but was also reportedly involved in land mafia activities.
DSSU president Ikiye I Awomi and general secretary Ighato Awomi in a press release expressed deep concern that such a fraudulent act had enabled him to acquire land and carry out multiple transactions that were strictly prohibited for non-indigenous individuals in the state.
They pointed out that this not only violated existing laws meant to protect indigenous rights but also undermined the identity and land rights of the indigenous people of Nagaland, maintaining that such actions posed a direct threat to the identity, security and rightful ownership of the indigenous people of the state.
They urged the government and authorities concerned to swiftly take stern and uncompromising investigation against Jain and individuals, officials or bureaucrats involved in facilitating these illegal acts.
Insisting that the law be upheld without bias and those exploiting loopholes to encroach on indigenous rights brought to justice, DSSU urged the government to take strict action against this gross misuse of indigenous status and ensure that justice was served.
They reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding the rights and interests of the indigenous communities and continuing to support all rightful efforts made in this regard. The union asserted that DSSU stood resolute in protecting the land, identity, and rights of the indigenous communities, and would continue to support all efforts aimed at preserving justice and integrity in the society.
CAKSU: Chakhro Angami Kuda Students’ Union (CAKSU) announced its full support and solidarity with the DNSU in the latter’s stand against the fraudulent acquisition of indigenous certificates and land by non-local individuals in Dimapur. The union in a statement commended the DNSU for its thorough fact-finding and responsible representation to the authorities concerned regarding the case involving Nirmal Jain, which raised serious questions over the misuse of documents to falsely claim indigenous status.
It maintained that such acts not only undermined the laws of the land but also threatened the inherent rights, ancestral land and identity of the indigenous Naga people.
Strongly condemning any attempt to exploit or manipulate the system for personal gain by falsely assuming tribal identities, the CAKSU pointed out that these actions jeopardised the social, legal and economic balance of the society, and must be addressed with urgency and seriousness.
The union urged the authorities concerned to treat the issue with utmost gravity, and take swift and appropriate legal action against those found guilty.
Stressing that fraudulent acquisition of land and misrepresentation of identity must not be tolerated under any circumstance, the union called for stricter verification mechanisms to prevent such illegal practices in the future.
CAKSU said it was committed to the rights and welfare of the indigenous people, reaffirming its position to stand alongside the DNSU and all like-minded organisations in upholding the dignity, land and identity of the Naga people.
DLSU: Dimapur Lotha Students’ Union (DLSU) expressed solidarity with the DNSU regarding the case of Nirmal Jain, who allegedly obtained an indigenous certificate through illegal means while claiming to be an indigenous inhabitant of Nagaland.
Noting that Nirmal Jain was involved in land mafia activities using the fraudulently acquired certificate to manipulate land ownership and rights, DLSU president Chumnran Humtsoe and vice-president Mhonbemo M Kikon in a press release strongly condemned such actions that were not only deceitful but also a blatant violation of the rights and identity of the tribal indigenous communities.
They said this act undermined the sanctity of Article 371 (A) that provided special provisions and protections for Naga people and their customary practices.
Stating that such acts by non-indigenous individuals posed a direct threat to the identity, land, and rights of Naga people, they urged all like-minded civil society organisations to unite and strongly oppose such fraudulent encroachments that were detrimental to the fabric of the society.
They appealed the departments concerned and the state government to take prompt and decisive legal action against Nirmal Jain and all others involved, stressing that this matter was of grave concern to the Nagas at large and must not be taken lightly. They called for standing together to safeguard the rights and future of the people.
DRSU: Dimapur Rengma Students’ Union (DRSU) said it was gravely concerned and deeply alarmed by the recent revelations surrounding the systematic misuse of indigenous certificates by non-Naga individuals to illegally acquire land and reserved benefits in Nagaland.
DRSU president Khiti Kath and general secretary Runo Semp in a statement noted that the DNSU, after extensive inquiry and thorough verification, had uncovered credible evidence pointing to a deliberate and coordinated operation in which fraudulent indigenous certificates were being used to unlawfully claim ownership of land and gain access to entitlements reserved exclusively for indigenous Naga citizens under Article 371(A) of the Constitution of India.
They maintained that this exploitation of the legal framework was not only an attack on the rights and identity of the Naga people, but also a dangerous erosion of the laws that safeguarded their ancestral land, culture, and political autonomy.
They said it reflected a larger, disturbing trend where land mafias, in collaboration with unscrupulous local facilitators, were attempting to dismantle the very foundation of Naga rights through manipulation and deceit.
Unequivocally condemning this criminal nexus, they disclosed that they were currently in the process of finalising a verified list of individuals involved. Once validated, they said the names of these offenders would be made public. They declared that they would leave no stone unturned in pursuing legal action against them, and ensure that justice was served through the appropriate judicial and administrative channels.
DRSU leaders commended the DNSU’s courage in bringing to light the unlawful activities reportedly carried out by non-indigenous individuals and groups who were allegedly attempting to manipulate legal processes, exploit vulnerable landowners, and undermine the rightful ownership of indigenous Naga people.
They stressed that this was not just an organisational duty but a collective responsibility, adding that the time to act was now.
Reaffirming their unwavering commitment to defending the rights of indigenous Rengma people and all Nagas, they declared that they stood shoulder to shoulder with DNSU in this vital cause.