Rio Stresses the importance of safeguarding indigenous rights
REGIONAL: Nagaland Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio felt need for unity among the Naga people, the protection of their indigenous identity and the importance of accurate data collection for Census 2027 during the inauguration of the Kohima Village Multipurpose Hall in Ziekezou, Kohima, Friday. He described the event as “historic,” noting the hall's significance for all Naga communities, fostering goodwill and brotherhood.
The project was funded by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and the State Government.
Rio shared personal stories of his connection to Kohima, recalling his family's relocation during the mid-1950s insurgency situation and expressed pride in Kohima's welcoming nature citing its growth into Asia's largest indigenous village. He recognised the unique traditional institutions of Nagaland, citing historical protections like the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation of 1873, which established the Inner Line Permit system and reaffirmed the constitutional safeguards under Article 371(A).
He highlighted the essential role of village councils, exempting Nagaland from the 73rd Constitutional Amendment due to its consensus-based governance model, which preserves community unity. On the controversial Registration of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN), Rio stressed the importance of safeguarding indigenous rights amid concerns of non-Nagas obtaining indigenous status.
He reiterated that village councils have the authority to certify indigenous status within their communities.
The Chief Minister called for stringent regulation of migrant worker inflow while advocating skills development for local youth through government initiatives, including financial support for entrepreneurship. As for the upcoming Census 2027, he urged collective responsibility from all societal sectors to ensure accurate census data, recalling the discrepancies in past censuses that negatively impacted resource allocation and welfare planning.
Rio appealed for active participation from the citizens to ensure that the census reflects an accurate demographic picture, stating, “The data we provide today will determine the future of our children for decades to come.” He concluded his address with gratitude towards the Kohima Village Council for their contributions to the community.