The Nagaland state unit of the Janata Dal United (JDU) has raised serious concerns about the growing practice of the “random adoption of non-Nagas” by the indigenous Naga community, emphasizing the urgent need for legislation on adoption in the state. In a statement, the party highlighted the potential ramifications of such adoptions, particularly in the context of indigenous rights and the special status granted to Nagaland under Article 371A of the Indian Constitution.
Article 371A, which grants Nagaland special provisions, prohibits Parliament from legislating on certain matters affecting the state without the consent of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly. These matters include religious practices, Naga customary law, the administration of justice based on Naga traditions, and the ownership and transfer of land and its resources.
The JDU acknowledged that Nagas have every right to adopt anyone of their choice and bestow all rights of inheritance and beyond.
However, the party raised concerns about whether adopted non-Nagas should receive the same entitlements as indigenous Nagas.
“Since the Naga Customary law is empowered by the constitution of India, adoption as per Naga custom and tradition makes it legally binding upon the state to recognise adoption and grant such rights as any other Naga,” the JDU stated.
In light of this, the party called for urgent legislation on adoption to address the issue and prevent unscrupulous adoption practices. “If this matter is not attended to at the earliest, vested interest of non-Nagas could be manifested by luring vulnerable Nagas to randomly adopt non-Nagas so as to subservient the manipulative objectives of those people seeking entry into the Naga community by default,” the JDU warned.
The JDU appealed to the authorities to urgently move for the enactment of an Adoption Law, which would comprehensively address these concerns. “Such Law will protect the rights of indigenous Nagas. It will also enable a safe passage to genuine non-Nagas to live together with the Nagas cohesively in consonance with the law of the land,” the party added.