DNSU to file FIR against Nirmal Jain for document forgery

The Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU) on Friday announced that it would file an FIR against Nirmal Jain for allegedly forging documents to obtain a Non-Naga Indigenous Inhabitant Certificate and acquire land in Nagaland.
Addressing a press conference at its office after an emergency assembly session, DNSU president Hinoto P. Aomi said the case involved forgery and illegal land transactions carried out after obtaining the certificate. He asserted that the matter must be treated as a criminal offence and informed that the union had unanimously resolved to lodge an FIR at the earliest, leaving further investigation to the appropriate agencies.
Hinoto also expressed concern that Jain “may not be the only individual” involved in such fraudulent practices, adding that if similar cases were detected and found genuine, the union would pursue them. “No one is above the law, irrespective of how powerful one is,” he stated.
Referring to the inquiry proceedings, he alleged that Jain had attempted to shift the blame onto the State government and district administration during hearings. However, he maintained that Jain had misled the competent authority and forged documents to obtain the certificate.
He further stressed that safeguarding indigenous rights was not solely the responsibility of DNSU but of all Nagas, and called for collective vigilance against such activities.
On cases involving Naga women marrying non-Nagas and subsequently applying for Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Indigenous certificates, Hinoto said the administration was actively reviewing and cancelling such certificates where necessary. He also called for repeal of laws that allow leasing of land to non-Nagas.
On the accountability of officials involved in issuing the certificate, he said the union was examining the matter further.
Meanwhile, DNSU general secretary Michael Kath expressed gratitude to the union’s constituent units, senior members and the public for their support. He also thanked the district administration, led by the Deputy Commissioner, for handling the matter with seriousness.
Kath described the development as not just a victory for DNSU but for the entire Naga community, stating that it reaffirmed protection of indigenous rights. On the proposed FIR, he added that it would seek to determine the extent of fraud and push for seizure of land allegedly acquired through fraudulent documents.
DNSU assistant general secretary Azo Wetsah termed the cancellation of the certificate after a rigorous verification process as a significant step and expressed hope that it would serve as an eye-opener and a precedent. He clarified that the union had no objection to individuals obtaining documents through legal means, but reiterated that Naga rights were non-negotiable.
He also urged tribal bodies not to encourage issuance of ST or Indigenous certificates in cases involving marriages between Naga and non-Naga individuals.