Reported by Bhadra Gogoi
Dimapur: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Friday called for unity among Nagas, protection of indigenous identity, and collective responsibility in ensuring an accurate Census 2027.
Inaugurating the Kohima Village Multipurpose Hall at Ziekezou in Kohima village, 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.
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, resource allocation, education, and welfare schemes, and called on citizens to ensure that the 2027 Census reflects the state’s true demographic picture.
“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.
Rio referred to Nagaland’s unique traditional institutions, saying 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 (ILP) system.
He noted that these constitutional safeguards continue under Article 371(A) of the Constitution of India.
Noting 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.
On the Register of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN), Rio said the exercise was introduced to protect the rights of indigenous Nagas after instances in which indigenous certificates had allegedly been issued to non-Nagas.