DNSU concerned over misuse of indigenous certificates

Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU) has expressed concern over the increasing instances of misuse of indigenous certificates by certain non-Naga individuals to illicitly claim indigenous status within Nagaland.
DNSU through its media cell said that such practices not only infringed the rights of indigenous people of Nagaland but also posed a threat to the social, cultural, and legal framework safeguarding the unique identity and ancestral land rights of Naga community.
Following inquiry, the DNSU has claimed to have uncovered evidence of “numerous individuals” obtaining indigenous certificates through deceptive means. It said those fraudulent documents were being systematically exploited to unlawfully purchase or claim ownership of land and to avail other benefits reserved for bona fide indigenous citizens.
DNSU described such actions as “a direct affront to the fundamental rights of the indigenous Naga populace” and compromised the integrity of established official processes.
The union affirmed that integrity of indigenous identity and the sanctity of land rights were non-negotiable.
DNSU said it was compiling details of those fraudsters and make their names public soon.
Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and justice, DNSU has vowed “to dismantle this nexus of corruption.”
In this regard, the union has appealed to all civil society organizations, community-based organizations, and other stakeholders across Nagaland to reject and refrain from providing any form of shelter and support to those individuals proven to have forged or misused indigenous certificates.
Further, DNSU also appealed to tribal and community organizations to ensure that individuals holding public positions within their organizations were free from political party affiliations. The union asserted that political bias or loyalty invariably hindered community development, compromises objective decision-making, and leads to the politicization of critical issues.
Also, expressing concern over the increasing “benami” system in Nagaland, DNSU highlighted its exploitation by non-locals in connivance with “unscrupulous” Naga individuals, politicians, and even elements within Naga political groups, circumventing legal provisions that safeguard indigenous land. DNSU reiterated that Article 371A protects the ownership and transfer of land and its resources to its indigenous people while legally prohibiting non-locals from purchasing land within Nagaland.
It said that any transaction that attempted to bypass those protections through proxy ownership or fraudulent use of indigenous certificates was “illegal” and would be challenged.
The union also cautioned government officials or any individuals against facilitating the issuance of fraudulent certificates or enabling such illegal land transactions. It said such actions betrayed the very fabric of Naga community and would not be tolerated.
The union expressed appreciation to the district administration and the government for their proactive efforts in implementing the Inner Line Permit (ILP) in Dimapur. DNSU also lauded the non-local civil society organizations for recognizing the importance of ILP and sought their continued cooperation.
Meanwhile, DNSU has called upon all responsible citizens to stand united against the issuance and use of fraudulent indigenous certificates.
It urged every citizen to remain vigilant and report any suspicious cases to the authorities or DNSU.