SAYO bans adoption of non-locals, warns of strict action

Southern Angami Youth Organisation (SAYO) has imposed a ban on adoption of non-local individuals within its jurisdiction with effect from May 1, 2026.
In a notification dated April 18, SAYO president Zasitsolie Beio and general secretary Keneisel Tetso said the ban was imposed in the wake of the brutal murder of late Vihozhonu Zao in 2025, allegedly by an adopted non-local man.
The decision was approved during the SAYO presidential meeting held on April 18, 2026 at Kidima village under Kezocha block in Kohima district.
It also said that the decision was taken to maintain the integrity and well-being of the indigenous people of Southern Angami.
According to SAYO, no individual or family within its jurisdiction would be permitted to adopt any non-local individual.
It stated that the directive was aimed at ensuring the safety of the community and preserving the values and identity of the indigenous people of Southern Angami.
SAYO warned that any violation of the directive would invite strict penalties, including exile from the village, cancellation or revocation of Scheduled Tribe and Indigenous Inhabitant Certificates of the violator, and other actions deemed appropriate by the organisation. It further cautioned that vio-lators would have to bear the risk of any unforeseen incidents.
It also stated that in cases where such adoption was concealed and later detected, the Scheduled Tribe and Indigenous Inhabitant Certificates of both the adopted individual and the adopting parents would be cancelled with immediate effect from the date of detection.
Further, SAYO informed that no support would be extended to any individual failing to comply with the directive in the future.
SAYO has urged all members of Southern Angami to strictly adhere to the notification and refrain from adopting non-local individuals.