The Register of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN) is not meant for the Nagas of Nagaland but specifically for four tribes—Kuki, Garo, Kachari, and Karbi (Mikir), Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio declared during the Platinum Jubilee of the Naga Council Dimapur. He explained that the RIIN sets the cut-off year for those four tribes as 1963, meaning those who arrived before that year may be recognized as non-Naga indigenous inhabitants of Nagaland.
“RIIN is not like conducting a census or updating an electoral roll,” he stated. “Even if I am an indigenous Naga from Kohima, I cannot request an indigenous certificate from other districts like Zunheboto or Mokokchung. It must be from our native place,” the Chief Minister clarified.
He also emphasized that while any tribal can settle anywhere in the state, they cannot claim indigenous status outside their native area. He urged people to respect the cut-off year, warning that providing false information will be considered a criminal offense and subject to penalties.
“There should be no confusion, and we should strive to live in harmony,” he added.