DNSU alleges ‘land mafia’ operation by non-Naga individual

Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU) has alleged that a non-Naga individual was running “land mafia” or benami land dealing in the state.
Addressing a press conference here on Wednesday, DNSU general secretary Michael Kath claimed that the individual reportedly acquired land illegally in Nagaland by fraudulently obtaining an indigenous certificate (IC).
Kath stated that the union had “uncovered credible evidence” showing how a non-local individual was misusing forged documents to illegally purchase and sell land in Nagaland, posing a serious threat to indigenous rights.
Clarifying that DNSU was not against any non-local community residing or working peacefully in the state, Kath, however, strongly condemned those who misuse their presence to engage in illegal activities.
He alleged that one such individual identified Nirmal Jain had fraudulently acquired an Indigenous Certificate (IC) in 2002 by falsely claiming lineage to a person listed in the 1964 electoral roll. Kath said Jain subsequently purchased land and engaged in multiple transactions he was not legally entitled to undertake.
He said DNSU gathered sufficient evidence and was bringing it to public attention not out of bias or hatred, but to protect the rights and land of the Nagas.
Further, Kath clarified that DNSU would not take the law into its own hands, adding that they would be officially submitting the matter to Deputy Commissioner (DC) Dimapur.
DNSU urged the state government to initiate thorough investigation and take appropriate legal action against the accused.
He also appealed to political leaders, bureaucrats, national workers, and other influential figures to refrain from shielding or supporting such individuals, and to let law take its own course of action.
Meanwhile, DNSU president, Hinoto P Aomi, informed that Nirmal Jain had purportedly procured his IC in 2002 claiming that his father is Balchand Jain, whose name is enrolled in the 1964 electoral roll.
Hinoto, however, claimed that though Nirmal Jain’s father’s name is Balchand Jain, it was not the one whose name was enrolled in the 1964 electoral roll.
He also gave out documents supporting the fact the Balchand Jain, whose name was enrolled in the electoral roll 1964, did not have a son named Nirmal Jain. DNSU president claimed that they had migrated to Manipur.
Therefore, he alleged that Nirmal Jain illegally procured IC through fraudulent means in 2002.
Further, Hinoto alleged that Nirmal had been actively involved in buying and selling land in Nagaland, especially to other non-locals, many of whom lacked valid ICs.
“He’s known to almost every politician and bureaucrat, though many Nagas are unaware of his background. We have also discovered instances of land document tampering and manipulation of dag numbers,” Hinoto alleged.
DNSU president claimed that Nirmal Jain arrived in Nagaland in the early 1980s and worked briefly as an accountant for two years.
Hinoto said when DNSU had gone to meet Nirmal Jain, he bragged about his connection with high profiled people, politicians, and national workers.
DNSU president said Jain used his alleged political and bureaucratic connections to expand his land dealings and shield himself from scrutiny.
He further alleged that Nirmal tried to carry out similar activity in Delhi, but returned to Nagaland and continued his fraudulent acts after law enforcement agencies took notice of his action.
Despite being given opportunities to prove that his parents resided in Nagaland prior to 1963, Hinoto said Nirmal Jain had failed to do so.
He also questioned the state government’s selective approach in dealing with land encroachment cases, stating that while Nagas are being evicted from government land, why was the government hesitant to take action against non-Nagas who have allegedly illegally purchased land.
Hinoto further claimed that despite the fact that DNSU had taken up the issue, Nirmal continued to carry out similar activities of selling land under benami name.
DNSU president, therefore, urged the state government to take note and stop his fraudulent activities.
DNSU assistant general secretary, Azo Wetsah, finance secretary, Kezevi Natso, education secretary Kevin Gonmei, and information and publicity secretary, Botoka Sumi, also addressed the media.