Kohima: The Association of Indigenous Minority Tribes of Nagaland (AIMTN) has strongly opposed the Nagaland government’s recent decision regarding the Registration of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN). In a statement, AIMTN expressed concerns over what it described as “discriminatory” treatment toward four minority tribes—Kuki, Kachari, Garo, and Mikir (Karbi)—following a directive from the state Cabinet.
AIMTN, representing these four indigenous minority tribes, had initially welcomed the government’s move to launch the RIIN enumeration process.
However, they were taken aback by a subsequent order from the Home Department, which they claim specifically targeted their tribes for registration.
“The AIMTN was shocked when the Government of Nagaland issued another order on the same day, with the same file number, directing enumeration specifically for these four tribes. This move by the Government of Nagaland is seen as discriminatory against these four tribes and a violation of fundamental rights,” the association stated.
The government’s order, dated September 20, 2024, instructed the Home Department to commence the RIIN process exclusively for the Kuki, Kachari, Garo, and Mikir tribes.
AIMTN argues that this action contradicts the original purpose of RIIN, which was intended to include all indigenous tribes of Nagaland.
“RIIN was meant for all the recognized indigenous tribes of Nagaland, not just for particular tribes,” AIMTN said, urging the government to reconsider its decision.
AIMTN also warned that if the state government does not ensure equal treatment for all indigenous tribes, they may consider seeking legal recourse.
“If the government is unwilling to treat us equally with other indigenous tribes, we may seek redress in the court of law,” the association stated.
The matter is expected to generate further debate as AIMTN and other concerned groups await the government’s response to their demands for equal treatment under the RIIN process.
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