Representatives from the Association of Indigenous Minority Tribes of Nagaland (AIMTN) voiced their support for the implementation of the Register of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN), while expressing concerns about the selective enumeration of only four minority tribes under the new procedures.
L Singsit, President of the Kuki Inpi Nagaland, stated today in a press conference that the AIMTN fully supports the state government’s decision to implement the RIIN, approved by the Nagaland Cabinet on September 20, 2024. He stated that the Kuki, Garo, Kachari, and Mikir (now Karbi) tribes have participated in consultations at both the district and state levels, affirming their commitment to the state’s governance.
Singsit remarked, “We have internalised ourselves so much in Nagaland that we have been a part of the Naga freedom movement all along. We are citizens of this state and are ready to follow whatever the government says, expecting to be treated the same way as other tribes of Nagaland.”
Despite their support for the RIIN, AIMTN leaders expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s focus on enumerating only the four minority tribes. “We are not against RIIN,” Singsit clarified. “But we question why only the four minority tribes are singled out for the enumeration process. We believe all tribes should go through this process together.”
The AIMTN had previously submitted a representation to the state government, urging a review of the recent order. Leaders expressed disappointment over the lack of response, which they believe has led to misunderstandings among other tribes. “Many believe the four minority groups are against RIIN, but this is not true at all. We are with RIIN but seek equal treatment for all tribes,” Singsit asserted.
Addressing the sensitivity surrounding their minority status, Singsit noted, “When you are a minority, you become very sensitive. The people of our tribes have become apprehensive, wondering why we are being singled out.”