‘Naga rights non-negotiable’: DNSU to pursue legal action against Nirmal Jain

April 25, 2026 10 Views No Comment

Morung Express News
Dimapur | April 25

The Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU) on Friday termed the cancellation of a “fraudulently procured” indigenous certificate issued to one Nirmal Jain as a “victory of the Naga people”, and announced plans to file a First Information Report (FIR) while pressing for a wider investigation into alleged illegal activities.

Addressing a press conference at its office in Dimapur on April 24, DNSU General Secretary Michael Kath said they had been pursuing the issue for the past one year and expressed gratitude to “constituent units, respected seniors and well-wishers” as well as the district administration for acting on the matter.

“The order signed by the Deputy Commissioner has reposed the public’s trust in justice,” Kath said, adding that the development “is not just the victory of the DNSU alone, it is the victory of the entire Nagas who dream of a homeland where our rights and identities are protected.”

At the same time, he informed its emergency assembly had unanimously decided to lodge an FIR against Jain. “If someone is a thief, we cannot just let him go by saying don’t steal from now on. We will file an FIR and the extent he has defrauded the Naga people should be fully investigated and he should be punished,” Kath said.

He also stated that the union would “pressurize the state and concerned authorities” to investigate any land or property allegedly acquired through fraudulent means and seek their seizure.

Sharing details, DNSU Assistant General Secretary Rukuwezo Wetsah said the certificate had been cancelled following a “rigorous verification process,” calling it “a victory of the Naga people against those misusing government machinery.”

“This should be an eye-opener to every officer concerned. If you are going to issue an indigenous certificate, you must conduct thorough verification,” Wetsah said, warning that the DNSU “will never remain a silent spectator” in such cases.

Responding to queries, DNSU President Hinoto P Aomi said there were “reports and information” about Jain’s alleged involvement in forging documents, though these were yet to be verified. “A thorough investigation should be done, a person who forges documents commits a crime,” he said.

Aomi said the FIR would be filed “as soon as possible, maybe tomorrow or the day after,” and asserted that “no one is above the law.” He added that it would examine other similar cases if credible information is received.

“Everything runs on information, if we find that issues are genuine and affect Naga interests, we are not going to back off,” Aomi said, while urging the public to come forward with complaints.

Likewise, he said the case should serve as a precedent. “You cannot illegally procure an indigenous certificate and exploit the Nagas,” he said, alleging that Jain had attempted to shift blame onto authorities during proceedings. “He claimed the government gave it to him, but he himself went and made false claims to obtain it,” he added.

The union also revealed it is currently looking into “two or three other individuals” over similar allegations.

On broader concerns, Aomi flagged issues such as non-indigenous persons acquiring land through long-term leases and cases involving indigenous and Scheduled Tribe certificates obtained through marriages with non-locals.

“We have limited time and tenure, but these issues must be addressed,” he said, calling for amendments to land laws and greater vigilance by authorities and tribal bodies.

While demanding strict action against Jain, the president said it did not want innocent third-party buyers to be victimised, leaving such matters “to the wisdom of the authorities.”

Reiterating its stand, Aomi said, “Naga rights are non-negotiable,” and pledged continued vigilance against any attempt to misuse indigenous status.

Meanwhile, the Naga Women Hoho Dimapur (NWHD) in a press release expressed its support for DNSU regarding its “firm and commendable stand” in the Nirmal Jain case involving an indigenous inhabitant certificate. NWHD commended the student organisation for its efforts in upholding justice and safeguarding indigenous identity. “Your commitment to upholding justice and safeguarding the integrity of indigenous identity sets a strong example,” the NWHD said. It emphasised that the process of issuing indigenous certificates “must remain transparent, fair, and accountable,” echoing concerns raised during the controversy.