DSU objects to CM’s reported Kachari ‘migrants’ remark

DIMAPUR – The Dimasa Students’ Union (DSU) has condemned a reported Kachari migrants remark attributed to Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, calling it “historically inaccurate, factually untenable and deeply hurtful to the sentiments of the Kachari community”.

In a press release dated Nov. 2, the Haflong-based union said it “unequivocally condemns and strongly objects to the reported statement” of the Chief Minister “characterising the Kachari people as migrants in Dimapur”. The statement was signed by DSU president Pramith Sengyung and general secretary Amit Nunisa of the union’s central committee.

The union described the remark as “deeply unfortunate and unacceptable”, saying it “disregards the historical identity and ancestral connection of the Kachari people with the region”.

What the DSU said about the Kachari migrants remark

The DSU said the Kacharis have “a longstanding indigenous association with Dimapur, which historically served as the capital of the erstwhile Dimasa Kachari Kingdom”, a legacy it said is reflected in the historical and archaeological remains of the region.

“The Union firmly maintains that the Kachari people cannot be casually characterized as migrants in a place intrinsically connected to their ancestral heritage,” the release said.

The union said it respected all communities living in present-day Dimapur, but added that “peaceful coexistence must never come at the expense of recognizing the indigenous identity and historical legacy of the Kachari people”.

“The historical facts and the contributions of every community must be acknowledged fairly, without selectively questioning the identity and belonging of the Kacharis,” it said. Also Read Dimapur abduction: CNCCI demands businessman’s safe release

Union asks CM to clarify

The DSU urged the Chief Minister to clarify the reported remark and to “exercise greater responsibility and sensitivity when addressing matters concerning indigenous communities”.

It said the “historical identity, ancestral connection and dignity of the Dimasa Kachari people deserve recognition and respect”, and that it would continue to uphold these principles “through peaceful and democratic means”.

Original remark not yet traced

The DSU statement does not quote the Chief Minister’s words or say when or where the remark was made. Nagaland.News has not been able to independently locate a published report of the remark about the Kacharis.

Separately, the Nagaland Garo Tribal Council (NGTC) objected on Nov. 3 to what it described as Rio’s reference to the Garo community as “migrants”. The NGTC said the remarks were carried in local dailies on Oct. 31, The Morung Express reported. Eastern Mirror reported that the remarks were made at an event in Kohima village. It is not clear whether the DSU and the NGTC are objecting to the same speech.

Background

The Kacharis are one of four communities, along with the Kukis, Garos and Mikirs (Karbis), that the Nagaland government said in October 2024 it would enumerate under the Register of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN). Government spokesperson K G Kenye said then that indigenous status would apply only to those living in the state before Dec. 1, 1963, the RIIN cut-off date, The Morung Express reported.

Dimapur is home to the Kachari ruins, a group of carved, mushroom-domed sandstone pillars that the DSU cited in its release as part of the Kacharis’ ancestral heritage in the town.

The DSU is headquartered in Haflong, in Assam’s Dima Hasao district. Its letterhead gives its year of establishment as 1955.

Response

The Chief Minister’s Office had not publicly responded to the DSU statement at the time of publication. Its response will be added when received.