The Association of Indigenous Minority Tribes of Nagaland (AIMTN) has once again voiced its dissatisfaction over the state government’s decision to issue a separate enumeration order for four tribes– Kukis, Kacharis, Garos, and Mikirs (Karbis) — for implementation of the Register of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN).
Addressing the media at Phaipijang village here on Sunday, Kuki Inpi Nagaland president and former Director General of Prisons, Home Guards and Civil Defence L Singsit questioned the logic behind the selective enumeration of only four tribes, as per the state government’s notification of September 28, 2024.
He urged the state government to reconsider the decision and implement RIIN uniformly for all tribes in Nagaland. Singsit voiced surprise and concern over the government’s decision to single out the four tribes for enumeration, despite their long-standing integration into the state.
Asserting that the four tribes had been part of Nagaland and that they had internalised their identity as Nagas, he said they could not imagine themselves being excluded, whether politically or socially. He also lamented the feeling of alienation this move had caused.
While noting that many misunderstood the stance of the four tribes on the implementation of RIIN, Singsit, however, clarified that they were not against the move, and in fact fully supported its implementation.
He mentioned that there had been various deliberations and consultations at all levels over RIIN, in which he had participated, emphasizing that the registry was essential for safeguarding the indigenous inhabitants of Nagaland.
He also announced support to the cut-off date of December 1, 1963 for determining the status of indigenous inhabitants for implementation of RIIN.
He insisted that those who settled in Nagaland before this date should be considered indigenous, while those who arrived after could be granted a different status.
Reiterating the appeal for a fair and uniform implementation of RIIN, Singsit urged the government not to misinterpret their concerns as opposition to the registry itself, but rather as a plea for inclusivity in the process.
Asked about possible legal actions if the issue was not addressed, he replied that if the state government went ahead with the selective enumeration, they would still not oppose it. He however expressed optimism that the government would address their grievances.
Supplementing to this, AIMTN joint secretary Cliff Sangma reiterated that the four tribes were not against ILP or RIIN, but highlighted the feeling of discrimination that had set in following the government order for selective enumeration. He said though the four tribes had written to the state government, they were yet to get a response.