CSUD, ASUD flay misuse of indigenous certificate by non-locals

Chakhesang Students’ Union Dimapur (CSUD) and Ao Students’ Union Dimapur (ASUD) have strongly condemned the alleged fraudulent acquisition of Indigenous Inhabitant Certificates by non-Nagas to illegally purchase land and access privileges meant exclusively for indigenous citizens.
CSUD: Chakhesang Students’ Union Dimapur (CSUD) has affirmed its support to the Dimapur Naga Students Union (DNSU)’s stand against the alleged fraudulent acquisition of indigenous certificate and illegal procurement of land properties by non-indigenous residents in Dimapur.
In a press release, CSUD president Vesülhü Ringa and general secretary Husuve Lohe lauded DNSU for its “thorough fact finding and detailed representation” submitted to the state government for necessary action.
CSUD said it condemned any action that exploited Nagas’ land and traditional rights, which was protected under the Article 371(A) of the Indian constitution.
Further, the union affirmed solidarity with DNSU to safeguard indigenous rights. It stressed that the same rights should be preserved and passed on to future generations.
In this regard, CSUD has appealed to all right-thinking Nagas to voice out and support the fight against “individual intruders” who in the name of permanent settlers were claiming traditional rights on Nagas’ land.
The union also appealed to the state government to swift act and initiate investigation.
ASUD: In a press note, ASUD president Imnatemsu Pongen and general secretary Tongpangnechet Kichu reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to protect and uphold the distinct identity, rights, and ancestral land of the Nagas, warning that any attempt to distort or dilute these foundations was a direct assault on their existence.
Terming the issue as a grave threat to the socio-political integrity of the Nagas, ASUD lauded the Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU) for taking a timely stance in exposing what it described as a “deep-rooted operation” involving forged documentation and misuse of native identity for illegal land acquisition.
While indigenous Nagas have continued to abide by constitutional and customary laws regulating land and identity, the union alleged that others had found ways to infiltrate and exploit these safeguards for personal and commercial gain, often through fraudulent means like benami transactions (proxy ownership) and collusion with vested interests within and outside the state.
ASUD maintained that the issue went beyond land ownership, describing it as a direct assault on legal rights enshrined in Article 371(A) of the Constitution, which protects Naga customary laws, land, and resources. It further pointed to the Nagaland Land and Revenue Regulations (Amendment) Act, 2002, which prohibits transfer of land to non-indigenous persons without approval from competent authorities.
The student body expressed deep concern that such activities had been going on for years, having taken place “strategically right under our noses. Such violations have undermined the sanctity of Nagas’ identity and eroded the very mechanism set in place to protect the Nagas, it said.
ASUD has put forth several demands, including immediate investigation and cancellation of all fraudulently obtained indigenous certificates.
To identify and prosecute all individuals involved, including issuing authorities, beneficiaries, and intermediaries. It also demanded implementation of stringent verification protocols and digital safeguards to prevent further misuse of indigenous status.
While demanding stricter enforcement of Inner Line Permit, ASUD also called for collaboration with tribal hohos, civil society organisations, and student unions to form a permanent Vigilance Taskforce.
ASUD said the time has come for this to be a turning point to note that Nagas cannot and will not be made strangers in their own land. “Our rights are not negotiable,” ASUD asserted, reaffirming its solidarity with all student bodies, tribes, and citizens committed to uphold that land is the identity.