Under the discussion on matter of urgent public importance under Rule 50, MLA, Kuzhol uzo Nienu raised the issue pertaining to “Safeguarding the Rights of Indigenous Communities” to discuss in the Seventh Session of the 14th NLA on 4th September 2025 at the Nagaland Legislative Assembly Hall, Kohima.
Member of Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Kuzholuzo Nienu spoke on the effects of the rise of illegal immigrants in the state, one of them being the restriction it has brought on the rights of the indigenous people of the state. He stated that it was not an abstract demand but the right of every indigenous inhabitant to be able to decide on the matters of their land.
Nienu spoke on the alarming demographic changes that have been taking place especially in the Dimapur District in the last 2-3- decades. He stated that this change should be a wakeup call for the Nagas, and reminded them to not let people take advantage of their kindness and hospitality. He said that the fight against this alarming trend is not just to protect the Naga identity but to also produce a sustainable future for the coming generations. He recommended the constitution of a dedicated department for the indigenous affairs and remarked it of being of necessity for the state.
Nienu, while deliberating on the issue, brought forth a few suggestions namely the state government conducting door-to-door census for the migrants in urban and rural area with collection of all their necessary information and with the final reports being published in public domain, providing adequate manpower to police outposts, creating deportation centres, and utilizing various concerned departments for a multi-pronged approach. He concluded by reiterating that words alone are not enough but to act upon this predicament with renewed commitment.
Participating on matters of urgent public importance, Minister for PHED and Cooperation, Jacob Zhimomi reiterated that Nagaland attained its Statehood under political compulsion despite of having social, economic and unique way of life. He lauded the present leadership for its efforts in making peace agreements with various political groups in the State. Due to lack of dignity of labour in us, the State had to engage workers from outside the State, thereby reduces employment opportunities and increases unemployment problems in the State, he added.
Zhimomi cautioned that our lifestyles has to commensurate with our incomes, and the need of educating our children to inculcate the work culture is a must at this juncture, so as to build a vibrant Nagaland and be at par with the rest of the states during Viksit Bharat 2047.
Advisor, School Education and SCERT, Dr. Kekhrielhoulie Yhome said a “lack or surplus” attracts migration of people as wage defines labour migration. The entire state of Nagaland ranging from businesses, construction activities, labourers and other manual jobs are carried out by the outsiders. Therefore, it is important to adopt the best practices and protective mechanisms to safeguard our indigenous people and its rights, he asserted. Yhome also emphasized the importance of safeguarding our children, land, and biodiversity for which, our frontier areas need to be protected.
Participating on matters of urgent public importance on ‘Safeguarding the Rights of Indigenous Communities’ MLA, Dr. Sukhato A. Sema pointed that North east states is the safest place for the refugees, he was concerned that the refugees are given a place in our land considering our companionate and humanitarian nature, however he questioned, if these refugees are sent back to their native place or are they permanently settled. He therefore opined for a concrete and robust mechanism from the top bureaucrats to the village level for checking the illegal immigrants. He also suggested for creation of a separate Department for Indigenous Affairs or in collaboration with other related department to protect the rights of our indigenous people.
During the discussion, Advisor, Food & Civil Supplies, Legal Metrology, K.T. Sukhalu highlighted the shortage of Language Teachers in the state, with a total of only 143 language teachers while there are more than 2000 Hindi teachers. He suggested to create posts on fixed pay to recruit language teachers across the state and help the younger generation know their own culture, their language and the importance of their indigenous identity.
MLA, Dr. Neisatuo Mero stated that Nagas ought to defend their own land and people as the forefathers did. He said that throughout the World, Indigenous people are recognised by International laws and National legislation. They have special rights, including right of self- determination and equal access to services like education and healthcare. The United Nations Declaration of rights of Indigenous People is a key instrument in addressing historical injustices and ensuring the rights of the indigenous communities.
Dr. Mero also warned that not checking the influx of illegal immigrants will ultimately lead to demographic changes and affect the indigenous people socially, economically and politically. He gave certain suggestions to tackle this issue which included, strengthening of Inner Line Permit (ILP) counters at Dimapur Railway Station and Dimapur Airport to check influx of illegal immigrants, recruit more manpower to check ILP, to prioritise on the indigenous youth and empower them with skill entrepreneurship and to balance development while preserving our culture.
Dr. Tseilhoutuo Rhutso, MLA, proposed that each village should maintain monthly birth records and annual death records, to be submitted to the Administrative offices every year. He noted that such data, could serve as an important reference for determining indigenous inhabitants of the State as well as for census purposes.