Kukis, Kacharis, Mikir, Garos in tangle over indigenous citizens issue Nagaland Govt to freeze benefits and privileges

KOHIMA, Oct 31
The Nagaland Government has decided to freeze all benefits and administrative privileges related to indigenous status for certain communities such as Kukis, Kacharis, Mikir and Garos until a Court verdict is delivered, Government Spokesperson and Minister KG Kenye said in Kohima.
Addressing the media, Kenye said the Cabinet deliberated on the ongoing exercise to determine the Register of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN) and the strict enforcement of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) Regulations Act of 1873.
He said the Government must clearly identify who qualifies as an indigenous citizen in order to effectively implement the ILP and prevent misuse of indigenous benefits.
The Minister explained that the Government is seeking to streamline adminis- trative processes by enlisting genuine indigenous citizens and delisting non-indigenous inhabitants. “We have to know who are our indigenous citizens and who are not. That becomes the benchmark and the most important hurdle in implementing these laws,” he said.
Kenye stated that four sub-tribes—Kukis, Kacha-ris, Mikir and Garos—are currently under review to verify their indigenous status, given their ancestral links across multiple North Eastern States such as Manipur, Assam, and Mizoram. “If we want to implement the ILP strictly, we cannot exempt the non-indigenous inhabitants of Nagaland,” he added.
According to Kenye, the State had instructed local administrations and tribal bodies to carry out verifications using historical records, including the 1963 electoral roll, and other documents predating it. However, some communities have refused to partici- pate in the enumeration process and have instead taken the matter to Court.
“In view of this legal challenge, the Cabinet has decided that all earlier benefits and positions conferred on these groups will remain frozen until the Court delivers its verdict,” Kenye said.
The Minister clarified that while Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for these groups remains unchanged under Constitutional provisions, indigenous status is a separate category specific to Nagaland and directly linked to ILP implementation and local entitlements.
Kenye acknowledged that the Government’s move may cause “temporary discomfort” but said it is necessary to ensure clarity and fairness in State policies. “Reality is hard to swallow, but sooner or later we have to face the truth,” he said.

North East Live