Guwahati, Assam: The Sümi Hoho (SH), an influential tribal organization in Nagaland, has called upon the state government to expedite the implementation of the Register of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN).
In a statement issued on Saturday, SH president Dr Vihuto Asumi emphasized the importance of RIIN in safeguarding the identity, rights, and privileges of indigenous Nagas.
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Asumi highlighted the crucial role of RIIN in preserving the unique cultural heritage of Nagaland, especially in the face of increasing external influences and migration.
He warned that without a clear and comprehensive register, the indigenous identity of Nagas could be diluted, leading to potential conflicts and social unrest.
The SH president stressed the need for a uniform cut-off date of December 1, 1963, across all regions of Nagaland, including Dimapur. He rejected the proposed alternative cut-off date of November 21, 1979 for Dimapur, arguing that it would create inconsistencies and undermine the fairness of the verification process.
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While commending the state government’s recent decision to proceed with RIIN, SH expressed concerns about potential misuse of the register.
To ensure the integrity of the process, the organization advocated for strict measures to prevent fraudulent claims and ensure that only genuine indigenous inhabitants benefit from the register.
SH called for a transparent and fair verification process, involving traditional village authorities and institutions.
The organization pledged its full cooperation with the government to facilitate a smooth and credible verification process.
The Sümi Hoho further urged the Nagaland government to implement RIIN without delay, adhering to the uniform cut-off date and taking necessary measures to prevent misuse.
SH reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the future and identity of the indigenous people of Nagaland.