Guest Column ::::: Nagaland :::: RIIN is a unique exercise to build a robust state and a vibrant society -- Theja Therieh

 

Individuals and groups have recently engaged in social media discourse on the much -awaited Registration of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN) following the Government notification to this effect. 

As one of the activists advocating the importance of the RIIN exercise, I felt obligated to state my understanding of the matter.

RIIN (Registration of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland) is a unique initiative aimed at identifying residents in Nagaland, rooted in political agreements and the state's special provisions under Article 371A, as well as the incorporation of the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation of 1873(in short BEFR, 1873) which is one of the regulations under the Govt of India Act, 1870. 

This Regulation was found consistent and unique to the legal and cultural framework of Nagaland when Nagaland was granted statehood through the State of Nagaland Act, 1962.PART VI.26(1) “All laws in force, immediately beforethe appointed day, in the Naga Hills-Tuensang Area shall continue to be in force in the State of Nagalanduntil altered, repealed or amended by a competent Legislature or other competent authority”. 

As Nagaland was created through a political accord, a distinctive identification exercise is imperative, free from biases. This initiative is tailored specifically for a tribal state and stands apart from National exercises such as the NRC and decadal Census.  

The primary objective of RIIN is to prevent outsiders from obtaining fraudulent Indigenous certificates for employment and accessing benefits from government schemes, while simultaneously protecting and preserving individual rights to property and privileges.

 The RIIN will serve as the master list of all Indigenous inhabitants, also categorizing citizens from other groups to confer rightful status and benefits. 

To achieve this, the RIIN list will be compiled through an extensive survey, designed to address existing discrepancies and conflicting identities. The resulting statistics and data will empower the state to deliver efficient and transparent governance at all levels. 

Additionally, this initiative will provide law enforcement agencies with valuable information to combat illegal activities, check unlawful migration, and ensure effective law enforcement.

Theja 

Upon the completion of the RIIN exercise and once the master list is established, the government will check the components that have the potential for system manipulation and prevent the creation of fake Indigenous inhabitant certificates. In parallel, the government will ensure the identification of all genuine Indigenous inhabitants while also recognizing those who settled in Nagaland before statehood (December 1, 1963) as “permanent residents,” subject to specific criteria.  

RIIN aims to categorize the residents in the state for administrative purposes, determining their rights and privileges provided in the special provisions guaranteed by the Constitution of India. 

However, in the event of any political agreement that surpasses the current political and territorial framework—reflecting Naga National aspirations—the forthcoming arrangements under the new Act will address the anomalies and discrepancies in the present setup. Therefore, the concerns that RIIN may undermine the larger interests of the Naga people are unfounded. 

Rather, this initiative is a step towards a stronger assertion of our collective identity in due time. It is essential to acknowledge the contemporary realities and understand our unique positions while continuing our efforts toward a common identity and the rights that accompany it.  

RIIN exercise is not an attempt to physically remove any person or deprive legal privileges enjoyed by any citizen. 

It is a process of identification to provide legal status and legal privileges to the residents for peaceful coexistence and harmony in the state. As a conscious citizen, it is our collective responsibility to extend the much-needed cooperation and facilitate the completion of this unique exercise to build a robust state and vibrant society.

ends