Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Friday called for unity among Nagas, protection of indigenous identity and collective responsibility in ensuring an accurate and credible Census 2027, stressing that the exercise would play a crucial role in safeguarding the state's demographic and socio-economic interests.
While inaugurating the Kohima Village Multipurpose Hall at Ziekezou, Kohima Village, the Chief Minister said the newly inaugurated multipurpose hall was not only an asset for Kohima Village but a facility for all Naga communities and organisations to foster unity, goodwill, and brotherhood.
He expressed happiness that the project was supported through funds from the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, with additional assistance from the state government, enabling the construction of a landmark building envisioned as a common platform for the people.
Congratulating the Kohima Village Council, Rio credited the successful completion of the project to the village's unity, dedication, and prudent utilisation of government funds. He said the achievement reflected the collective spirit of the village and would serve future generations.
Sharing his personal connection with Kohima, Rio recalled that his family moved to the town during the insurgency in the mid-1950s. He said he completed his education in Kohima and has continued to live there, adding that his family has developed deep bonds with the village's people through friendships and intermarriage.
The Chief Minister praised Kohima Village for its inclusive nature, saying its welcoming attitude towards people from different backgrounds had contributed to its growth into what is regarded as the largest indigenous village in Asia.
Highlighting Nagaland's unique traditional institutions, Rio said 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 system.
He noted that these constitutional safeguards continue today under Article 371(A) of the Constitution of India. Emphasising the importance of village councils, the Chief Minister said that Nagaland was exempted from the 73rd Constitutional Amendment due to 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 Registration of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN), Rio said the exercise was introduced to protect the rights of indigenous Nagas following instances in which indigenous certificates had allegedly been issued to non-Nagas.
He clarified that while Indian citizens from other communities are free to reside and work in Nagaland, indigenous status is reserved for native Naga communities. The Chief Minister added that village councils remain the competent authority to certify indigenous inhabitants of their respective villages.
He also stressed the need to regulate the influx of migrant workers while simultaneously equipping local youth with skills to take up employment opportunities. The veteran Naga leader encouraged young people to avail themselves of government-supported skill development, entrepreneurship schemes, and financial assistance programmes, including collateral-free loans and interest subsidies.
Turning to Census 2027, 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.
Rio said inaccurate census data had adversely affected planning, resource allocation, education, and welfare schemes, and called upon citizens to ensure that the 2027 Census reflects the true demographic picture of the state. "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.