Photo Courtesy: nenews
Kohima: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio is demanding tougher enforcement of the Inner Line Permit system. He wants residents and officials to step up and protect the state's indigenous identity. Rio pointed to Article 371A of the Constitution and the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation of 1873 as the bedrock of Naga rights. These laws keep local customs and governance alive.
Village councils hold the power here. They are the only ones who can certify who belongs to a village. Outsiders might work and live in the state, but they cannot claim indigenous status. Rio called on landlords, employers, and schools to keep tight records. He warned that preventing the misuse of certificates is mandatory. He told the crowd: "Village councils remain the sole authority to certify whether a person is indigenous to a village."
The state also faces a major head count. Rio pushed for total public cooperation during the 2027 Census. He noted that bad data in previous years hurt welfare and education planning. Inflated numbers lead to failed policies. Now, the government wants an accurate picture of the population to ensure resources go where they are needed most.
The Chief Minister also championed traditional governance. He insisted that village councils should operate through consensus rather than messy elections. Unity is the goal. During the opening of the Kohima Village Multipurpose Building, he touted the facility as a symbol of Naga brotherhood. He promised more cash to finish equipping the building with furniture and tech.
Economic independence remains a priority. Rio told the youth to tap into government micro-financing and skill development programs. He also touted the success of the Chief Minister's Health Insurance Scheme. Over 1.7 lakh people are signed up. The government has already dropped Rs 228 crore to provide cashless care for residents.
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