KOHIMA: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio called for unity among Nagas, protection of indigenous identity, and collective responsibility in ensuring an accurate Census 2027. He said this while inaugurating the Kohima Village Multipurpose Hall at Ziekezou, Kohima Village in Kohima today.
Highlighting Nagaland’s unique traditional institutions, Rio said the British administration had recognised the distinct identity, customs and self-governance systems of the Nagas, leading to the enactment of the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873, which introduced the Inner Line Permit system. He noted that these constitutional safeguards continue today under Article 371(A) of the Constitution of India.
Emphasising the importance of village councils, Rio said Nagaland was exempted from the 73rd Constitutional Amendment because of its traditional system of local governance. He explained that village councils function through consensus-based selection rather than electoral contests, preserving unity within villages and preventing divisions.
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On the Registration of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN), Rio said the exercise was introduced to protect the rights of indigenous Nagas after instances where indigenous certificates had allegedly been issued to non-Nagas. He clarified that while Indian citizens from other communities are free to reside and work in Nagaland, indigenous status is reserved for native Naga communities. He added that village councils remain the competent authority to certify indigenous inhabitants of their respective villages.
The Chief Minister also stressed the need to regulate the influx of migrant workers while simultaneously equipping local youth with skills to take up employment opportunities. He encouraged young people to avail themselves of government-supported skill development, entrepreneurship schemes, and financial assistance programmes, including collateral-free loans and interest subsidies.
Turning to Census 2027, Rio urged all sections of society, including village councils, churches, tribal hohos, urban local bodies, civil society organisations, and community leaders, to ensure that the upcoming census is conducted honestly and accurately.
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He recalled that Nagaland had rejected the 2001 Census due to abnormal population growth figures caused by inflated enumeration, while the 2011 Census recorded a decline in population. He said inaccurate census data had adversely affected planning, allocation of resources, education, and welfare schemes, and called upon citizens to ensure that the 2027 Census reflects the true demographic picture of the State.
“The data we provide today will determine the future of our children for decades to come,” Rio said, appealing for active public participation in the census process.
