Nagaland DNSU lauds CM’s call to protect indigenous rights

Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU) has appreciated chief minister Neiphiu Rio and the state government for reaffirming their commitment to safeguarding the rights and heritage of Nagaland’s indigenous inhabitants.
In a statement, DNSU president Hinoto P. Aomi and general secretary Michael Kath said the chief minister’s recent remarks at the golden jubilee celebration of Tenyimi Union Dimapur underscored the importance of unity, responsible governance and protection of indigenous identity. According to DNSU, Rio reiterated that indigenous status is strictly based on ancestral lineage and settlement within one’s recognised village jurisdiction and warned that issuing or obtaining false indigenous certificates would invite criminal prosecution.
The union noted that this clarification addressed concerns over alleged instances where non-Nagas, including Nepalis, Gorkhas and plains people residing in urban areas, had wrongly obtained indigenous certificates.
DNSU said the chief minister made it clear that indigenous identity was “non-transferable” and could not be extended beyond one’s own native village or district, adding that the administration would uphold legal safeguards to prevent misuse.
It also welcomed Rio’s assurance that any further steps concerning the Register of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN) would be carried out fairly in accordance with the recent court ruling. It said the CM’s statement conveyed the government’s commitment to ensure due process, protect genuine indigenous inhabitants and avoid arbitrary measures.
DNSU further acknowledged the chief minister’s effort to strengthen legal mechanisms such as the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system. It said the introduction of new ILP guidelines and an online portal demonstrated the state’s intent to preserve Nagaland’s distinct identity while regulating external movement. Effective enforcement, DNSU added, would require cooperation among civil society organisations, student bodies and village councils.
Reaffirming its support to the government’s initiatives, DNSU said it remained committed to safeguarding the rights, identity and future of the state’s indigenous communities and hoped for continued responsible governance and inclusive development.