Urgent Plea: JCPI Calls for Passionate Public Discourse on Indigenous Cut-Off Year | MorungExpress
JCPI Calls for Public Discourse on Cut-Off Year for Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland
Dimapur, September 13 (MExN): The Joint Committee for Prevention of Illegal Immigrants (JCPI) has called on the Nagaland Government to initiate a public discourse on the contentious cut-off year for identifying indigenous inhabitants of the state. This appeal follows the Cabinet’s decision on September 11, 2024, to extend the Inner Line Permit (ILP) to Dimapur, Chümoukedima, and Niuland.
The JCPI issued a press release through its Media Cell, criticizing the decision as "old wine in new skin." The Committee insists that there can only be one uniform cut-off year for ILP across Nagaland. Formed in 2018 by tribal apex bodies and civil society organizations, the JCPI was a response to the National Register of Citizens (NRC) implementation in neighboring Assam. It has consistently advocated for the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation Act (BEFR Act) 1873/ILP to apply to the entire state since December 1, 1963, Nagaland’s statehood day.
The JCPI argues that the cut-off year for identifying indigenous inhabitants should align with the statehood year to ensure consistency and validity of documents. Government Notification No AR8/8/76 Kohima, dated April 28, 1977, specifies three criteria for this classification: entry in the electoral roll as of December 5, 1963, payment of house tax before December 1, 1963, and possession of property before December 1, 1963.
In December 2019, ILP was extended to the undivided Dimapur district with a cut-off year of November 21, 1979. The JCPI contends that this date was intended for development purposes, not for identifying indigenous people.
The JCPI highlights that non-Naga indigenous groups like Kuki, Kachari, Garo, and Mikirs have no objections to using the statehood year as the cut-off date. Emphasizing the importance of the Register of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN) for job reservations and tribal land protection under Article 371A, the JCPI asserts that December 1, 1963, should be the benchmark for transparency and accuracy in identifying indigenous inhabitants.
The JCPI urges the Nagaland Government to engage in public discourse on the cut-off year issue, asserting that it is essential for all right-thinking citizens to voice their concerns. The Committee calls for a review of the Cabinet’s decision in the larger interest of Nagaland’s populace.
Original Story https://www.morungexpress.com/jcpi-urges-public-discourse-on-indigenous-cut-off-year
Category : Nagaland
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