Sümi Hoho Urges Nagaland Government to Expedite RIIN Implementation for Indigenous Protection
Kohima: The Sümi Hoho (SH) has urged the Nagaland state government to accelerate the implementation of the Register of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN), emphasizing its crucial role in safeguarding the state’s indigenous identity and heritage. SH president Dr. Vihuto Asumi stressed the need for RIIN to protect the rights and cultural integrity of Nagaland’s indigenous communities in light of increasing external influences and migration.
“The RIIN is essential in ensuring that the benefits of the land go to those with legitimate claims, preserving the cultural and legal rights of the indigenous people,” Asumi stated. He warned that without proper implementation, the state’s unique heritage could be at risk of misrepresentation.
The SH also noted that the establishment of RIIN would help maintain social harmony by mitigating conflicts over land ownership, customary laws, and political representation. Asumi advocated for the state to apply a uniform cut-off date of December 1, 1963, across all regions, including Dimapur, rejecting an alternate proposal of November 21, 1979, for Dimapur, which he argued would cause inconsistencies in the verification process.
To ensure transparency and credibility, the SH called for the involvement of traditional village authorities in verifying Indigenous Inhabitant Certificates (IICs). Dr. Asumi assured that the Sümi Hoho would fully cooperate with the government to facilitate a smooth and fair implementation of RIIN.