KOHIMA : Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Friday reaffirmed the state’s commitment to protecting Nagaland’s indigenous identity and customary laws and called for stronger implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) through the cooperation of all stakeholders.
Speaking after inaugurating the Kohima Village Multipurpose Building here, Rio said the safeguards provided under Article 371A of the Constitution, a special provision for Nagas and the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR), 1873, have enabled Nagas to preserve their customs, traditions and village governance system.
He stressed that these protections must continue to be upheld to safeguard the state’s unique identity.
The chief minister said village councils remain the competent authorities to certify who is indigenous to a village, adding that while non-locals may legally reside and work in Nagaland, they cannot be granted indigenous status.
He urged village councils, landlords, employers, institutions and other stakeholders to ensure proper documentation of non-local residents to strengthen the implementation of the ILP and prevent misuse of indigenous certification.
Rio also appealed for public cooperation in the 2027 Census, saying accurate population data is crucial for effective planning and equitable distribution of resources.
Referring to past census exercises, he said inflated population figures had adversely affected development planning, particularly in sectors such as education and welfare, and urged civil society organisations, churches, village councils and citizens to ensure that the upcoming census reflects the state’s actual population.
Defending Nagaland’s traditional village governance system, Rio said village councils should continue to function through selection and consensus rather than elections, arguing that the traditional system promotes unity while electoral contests could create divisions within villages.
Describing the newly inaugurated multipurpose building as a symbol of unity and brotherhood, Rio said the facility belongs not only to Kohima Village but to all Nagas and would serve as a common venue for cultural, social and community activities. He commended the Kohima Village Council for successfully executing the project with financial assistance from the Centre and the state government and announced that additional funds would be provided to equip the building with furniture, sound systems and other amenities.
The chief minister also encouraged young people to take advantage of government skill development, entrepreneurship and micro-financing schemes, saying financial support is available for trained entrepreneurs to start businesses. Highlighting the Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme (CMHIS), he said over 1.7 lakh beneficiaries have been enrolled, and the state has spent more than Rs 228 crore on cashless treatment, urging eligible citizens to make full use of the scheme.
Earlier, Rio described the inauguration as a historic occasion for Kohima Village, saying the village has long been a centre of Naga history and has demonstrated unity and visionary leadership in creating a facility that would benefit people across the state. (Source: PTI)
