Dimapur Naga Students’ Union flags alleged illegal land procurement, Indigenous Certificate by non-Naga

DIMAPUR — The Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU) on Wednesday alleged that a non-Naga individual, identified as Nirmal Jain, has illegally occupied land and obtained an Indigenous Certificate through fraudulent means.

The student body made the claim during a press conference at its office in Dimapur, citing documentation and findings from its internal investigation.

Speaking to the media, DNSU General Secretary Michael Kath said that the union had conducted fact-finding enquiries and possessed what it considers credible evidence of the alleged unlawful activities. “We are not against non-locals who are doing business here and living peacefully, but we strongly oppose those individuals who come in the guise of doing business and engage in illegal activities,” Kath said.

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He alleged that Jain had purchased land and conducted multiple transactions despite not being legally entitled to do so. “He claims that he is a genuine citizen of Nagaland with an Indigenous Certificate, but the proof and evidence speak otherwise,” he said.

DNSU has gathered sufficient evidence and resorted to bringing this to public attention to protect the rights and lands of the Nagas, the student leader added.

The union said that it plans to submit a formal complaint to the state government through the deputy commissioner of Dimapur, urging a thorough investigation.

It also appealed to bureaucrats, politicians, and Naga national workers not to shield individuals allegedly involved in such practices. They expressed concern over the level of influence Jain may have, stating, “He boldly declared that he is closely connected with the Naga national workers, bureaucrats and political leaders.”

According to the DNSU, the Indigenous Certificate held by Jain dates back to 2002, but there is evidence that he arrived in Dimapur in the 1980s. The union also alleged that he has tampered with land pattas and is involved in land transactions under Naga names.

DNSU President Hinoto P Aomi, responding to queries, said Jain came to their notice during the union’s Inner Line Permit (ILP) enforcement and fact-checking efforts. Aomi claimed that many non-locals who have purchased land in Dimapur had done so through Jain, who allegedly continues to sell land while using documents under Naga names.

“He came to Nagaland in the 1980s, claiming to be the son of late Balchand Jain of Kalibari, Dimapur. However, he is not related to him,” Aomi alleged. He further claimed that Jain has been involved in land dealings even along the four-lane highway and questioned how he acquired land and documents.

The DNSU demanded that the district administration and state government investigate Jain’s alleged involvement with land mafias and said the union would continue to expose such activities.

Aomi also alleged that despite being aware of the ongoing inquiry, Jain has continued selling land and has not provided the union with proof of his claims.

The union called for immediate seizure of Jain’s Indigenous Certificate and all land acquired through what it claims are fraudulent means.

“Chances are that the government officials are also involved in issuing the documents. Even the lands he occupied are encroached land of the government,” he further alleged.