Western Sümi Students’ Union (WSSU) has asserted that individuals whose parental lineage was not of Sümi origin by blood should not be issued Scheduled Tribe (ST) or Indigenous Inhabitant Certificates (IIC), nor granted No Objection Certificates (NoC).
Issuing a strong advisory to all administrative authorities over the issuance of ST and IICs, WSSU president Ikato Khulu and general secretary Vitoka N Rochill also cautioned Gaon Buras (GBs) and village councils to refrain from issuing NoCs based merely on village affiliation or personal familiarity. They stressed strict verification and due diligence in such sensitive matters.
Further, WSSU urged administrative authorities and dobashis to thoroughly scrutinise all documents before processing applications. WSSU pointed out that this step was vital to maintaining the integrity of tribal identity and protecting the rights of indigenous Sümi citizens.
Further, WSSU appealed to all Sümi residents of Niuland and Chümoukedima districts to process their ST and IIC documents through their respective district commissioner’s offices.
It expressed concern over the increasing number of applicants from these districts approaching the DC office Dimapur, and felt this was undermining administrative order.
WSSU also reiterated its commitment to safeguard the interests of the Sümi community, and remain available to provide guidance and assistance to any individual seeking clarification or support in these matters.