Empowering Communities: State Govt’s Bold Initiative to Enumerate Kuki, Garo, Mikir, and Kachari in RIIN Program
Minister for Power and Parliamentary Affairs, K G Kenye, addressed the media in Kohima on October 9, where he discussed the state government’s plan to conduct an enumeration process for the Register of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN) aimed at the Kuki, Garo, Mikir (Karbi), and Kachari communities. This initiative follows the existing cut-off date of December 1, 1963, accommodating those historically residing within the state.
Kenye highlighted the state government’s endeavor to maintain the indigenous status for these communities if their ancestors were present before the designated date, and appeared in the electoral rolls of the 1964 state general election. Despite legal actions from the tribes demanding broader recognition, Kenye reinforced the importance of this status for longstanding residents and criticized what he described as the undue pressure applied by these groups upon the government.
Moreover, Kenye clarified that the RIIN initiative does not impact the recognized status of Naga communities but seeks to identify long-term residents. The Minister mentioned that the inflow of sub-tribes had complicated identity issues, stressing the urgency to preserve the distinctiveness of the indigenous populace. He pointed to historical efforts like the 16-point agreement with India in 1960 aimed at unifying Naga areas but noted limited success due to external challenges and lack of reciprocation from Naga communities in neighboring states.
Further concerns included safeguarding indigenous communities against illegal immigration by employing measures like the Inner Line Permit system reinstated under the 1873 Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation Act in 2019. On the cultural front, Kenye acknowledged the Forum for Naga Reconciliation’s efforts for repatriation of Naga human remains and cultural artifacts, maintaining that the government is committed to aiding the process in line with international norms to reclaim and preserve Naga heritage.
Original Story https://www.morungexpress.com/state-govt-firm-to-enumerate-kuki-garo-mikir-and-kachari-under-riin
Category : Nagaland
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