Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio urges public support for ILP enforcement, RIIN implementation and accurate participation in the 2027 Census
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KOHIMA — Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Friday called for greater public cooperation in enforcing the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system and implementing the Register of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN).
Speaking at the inauguration of Kohima Village Multipurpose Building at Ziekezou, Kohima village, Rio urged houseowners, village councils, institutions, contractors and employers to ensure that all non-local residents and workers are properly registered under the ILP framework.
"The responsibility of protecting the state's demographic and cultural interests cannot rest with the government alone," he said.
Referring to the ILP, Rio said that the state government had successfully defended its decision to extend the permit regime to Dimapur, Chümoukedima and Niuland after petitions challenging the move were dismissed by the court.
According to him, the verdict reaffirmed the state's authority to implement the ILP in the three districts and underscored the importance of the regulatory mechanism in protecting Nagaland's interests.
On RIIN, Rio said that the exercise is aimed at preventing misuse of indigenous certificates and safeguarding the rights of genuine indigenous inhabitants.
He explained that the register would clearly distinguish indigenous Nagas from permanent and temporary residents, while ensuring that the constitutional and customary rights of indigenous communities remain protected.
Highlighting the constitutional safeguards available to Nagaland, Rio said that the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR), 1873, and Article 371A have enabled Nagas to preserve their customary laws, traditional institutions and cultural heritage.
He urged citizens to uphold these protections and pass them on to future generations.
Linking his message to the occasion, Rio described the newly inaugurated multipurpose building as a symbol of unity and shared identity.
He said that the facility reflects the vision of creating a common space for all Nagas while preserving their cultural heritage, customs and traditions.
Congratulating the Kohima Village Council for completing the project, Rio said that the building belongs not only to Kohima village but to all communities wishing to use it for social, cultural and community activities.
Constructed with financial support from the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs and assistance from the state government, the facility will receive additional government funding to complete the remaining works, he said.
Rio also described Kohima village as an enduring example of inclusiveness and hospitality, attributing its growth into one of Asia's largest indigenous villages to its tradition of welcoming people from different communities.
He said that the new facility would further strengthen goodwill and brotherhood among the people.
The chief minister also appealed for truthful participation in the 2027 Census, saying inflated population figures in previous censuses had adversely affected development planning and resource allocation.
Accurate enumeration, he said, would enable more effective policymaking and equitable distribution of resources.
He further highlighted various welfare initiatives of the state government, including the Chief Minister's Health Insurance Scheme, under which more than 1.7 lakh beneficiaries have enrolled and over INR 228.87 crore has been spent on cashless treatment.
He also encouraged young people to take advantage of entrepreneurship and skill development initiatives, including the Chief Minister's Micro Finance Scheme.
Calling for unity, Rio said that Nagaland's future depends on cooperation, brotherhood and collective responsibility to create opportunities for younger generations while preserving the state's unique identity.