Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio on Wednesday asserted that the Constitution of India has provided sufficient protection to the Naga people, but warned that internal divisions and lack of unity of the Naga people are weakening the community’s ability to safeguard its rights and resources, Dr Rio said Nagas inhabit parts of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur and Myanmar, and noted that Nagas in Myanmar.
Addressing the 70th AKM Conference at Chungtia Village, the Chief Minister said Naga culture, society and traditions were recognized even during colonial times, pointing to the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation of 1873, commonly known as the Inner Line Pass (ILP), which he said must be effectively enforced in Nagaland.
Highlighting the trans-border presence of the Naga people, Rio said they had even participated in elections held under the military junta last week, recalling that the Nagaland government had advised them on participation in 2010.
On Article 371(A), the Chief Minister said the provision is often misunderstood and misused. He pointed out that Nagaland is rich in petroleum, natural gas and rare earth minerals, but confusion over ownership of land and resources has hindered progress.
“As per Article 371(A), land and resources belong to the people,” he said, adding that the matter is currently sub judice, with judgment reserved.
“Our adversaries recognize us, but we are not coming together. We must unite,” he stressed.
Expressing concern over the weak enforcement of ILP, Rio said the regulation was applicable only up to Chümoukedima and parts of Dimapur until 1979, and later extended when the Dimapur belt was declared a tribal area. However, enforcing ILP in Dimapur continues to be challenging.
He said multiple meetings have been held to strengthen ILP implementation, but emphasized that government action alone is not enough.
“To impose ILP, all stakeholders must support it and act as responsible citizens,” he said.
Dr Rio clarified that while tourists can apply for ILP online, Village Councils are the authorized verification bodies for residents, including tenants and contract workers, with house owners also sharing responsibility.
He revealed that in the past, indigenous certificates were wrongly issued to many non-Nagas, allowing them to settle permanently. However, following a Supreme Court stay on recognizing non-Nagas as indigenous, the Register of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN) was introduced. Describing the situation as critical due to the matter being stayed in court, Dr Rio said these are the issues the Naga youths must be concerned about.
Stressing on the importance of ILP, he said, while Indian citizens must not be harassed, strict implementation of ILP is essential, and illegal immigrants must be identified and deported.
Calling verification a collective responsibility, the Chief Minister urged people not to blame the government alone.
“Instead of blaming the government, we all need to work collectively,” he said.