The Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU) has announced that it will file a First Information Report (FIR) against a businessman identified as Nirmal Jain for allegedly forging documents to obtain a Non-Naga Indigenous Inhabitant Certificate and using it to acquire land in Nagaland. The announcement was made on Friday during a press conference held at the union’s office following an emergency assembly session convened by the student body. Addressing reporters, DNSU president Hinoto P. Aomi said the matter involved serious allegations of document forgery and illegal land transactions carried out after obtaining the certificate. He stated that the issue should be treated as a criminal matter and said the union had unanimously decided to lodge an FIR at the earliest. According to Aomi, once the FIR is filed, the union expects the concerned investigating agencies to carry out a detailed probe into the matter and determine the extent of the alleged fraud.
He also expressed concern that the case may not be an isolated incident. Aomi said the union believes there could be other similar cases involving fraudulent acquisition of indigenous certificates and land rights. He warned that if more such cases are discovered and found to be genuine, the union would continue to pursue them legally.“No one is above the law, irrespective of how powerful one is,” he said during the press conference. Referring to the inquiry process linked to the case, the DNSU president alleged that Jain had attempted to shift responsibility onto the state government and district administration during hearings conducted as part of the investigation process. However, he maintained that the businessman had allegedly misled the competent authority and used forged documents to obtain the certificate. Aomi further said that the protection of indigenous rights should not be seen as the responsibility of only one organisation. He called upon all Naga communities and civil society groups to remain alert and united against activities that could threaten indigenous identity and land rights in the state. The issue has once again brought attention to long-standing concerns in Nagaland over land ownership, indigenous identity and the alleged misuse of official certificates for personal gain.
During the press conference, Aomi also spoke about cases involving Naga women who marry non-Naga individuals and later apply for Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Indigenous certificates. He said the administration was reviewing such cases and cancelling certificates wherever necessary after verification. He additionally called for the repeal of laws that permit leasing of land to non-Nagas, arguing that such provisions could weaken the protection of indigenous land rights in the state. When asked about the accountability of officials who may have been involved in issuing the certificate, Aomi said the union was still examining the matter and would take further steps based on its findings.Meanwhile, DNSU general secretary Michael Kath thanked the union’s constituent units, senior members and members of the public for supporting the organisation during the issue. He also appreciated the district administration led by the Deputy Commissioner for dealing with the matter seriously. Kath described the development as an important moment not only for DNSU but for the wider Naga community. According to him, the action taken in the matter reinforced the importance of protecting indigenous rights and preserving community interests.
