In commemoration of the ‘International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples’ on August 9, 2024, the Nagaland Voluntary Consumer’s Organisation (NVCO) highlighted the importance of Article 371A of the Indian Constitution, which provides special provisions to protect the rights of the Naga indigenous inhabitants of Nagaland, including their land, resources, and way of life. NVCO President Kezhokhoto Savi emphasized that the Nagaland Land and Revenue Regulation (Amendment Act) 1978 ensures that land ownership in Nagaland is restricted to Naga indigenous inhabitants, excluding non-indigenous residents.
Savi cited a case where the Chakhroma Public Organisation (CPO) alleged violations of this regulation on September 9, 2020. The CPO reported that non-indigenous residents, prohibited from acquiring land, were illegally purchasing property in Dimapur. In response, the CPO reaffirmed a previous resolution by the Angami Public Organisation (APO) and declared all such illegal transactions null and void.
The NVCO also pointed out that Nagas from other states, such as Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur, are not indigenous to Nagaland and, therefore, are not entitled to land ownership under the Nagaland Land and Revenue Regulation Amendment Act, 1978. Despite this, there are numerous instances of non-indigenous Nagas and even non-Nagas illegally owning land and running businesses in Nagaland. The NVCO criticized the state government for its inaction and for issuing land permits to non-indigenous individuals.
To safeguard the rights of Nagaland’s indigenous inhabitants, NVCO has urged village and colony chairmen not to issue certificates that might assist non-indigenous individuals in obtaining Indigenous Inhabitants Certificates. They have also called for the cessation of practices like adopting non-indigenous individuals or children. The NVCO expressed disappointment with MPs who supported the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) and local legislators who favored appointing non-indigenous individuals to government positions in recent ULB elections. They warned that the indigenous people of Nagaland must remain vigilant to protect their economy from being overtaken by outsiders.
Regarding recent issues in Bangladesh, the NVCO questioned the effectiveness of the BEFR 1873 (ILR) in controlling market infiltration by non-Nagas and IBIs. They criticized the state government’s past efforts, which they believe have been insincere and ineffective, particularly in applying the BEFR (ILR) to Dimapur, the state’s commercial hub.
Indigenous peoples are inheritors of unique cultures and ways of life, often facing discrimination and marginalization. They constitute 15% of the world’s poorest population. The NVCO stressed that any proposed registration, such as the Registered Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN), should not compromise the rights of Nagaland’s indigenous people. They emphasized that the date of settlement should not qualify non-indigenous individuals for registration, as true indigenous status is tied to one’s ancestral land. The voices of indigenous peoples must be heard, and any mechanism that undermines their rights must be opposed. The United Nations continues to address issues related to the culture, economic and social development, education, environment, health, and human rights of indigenous peoples.