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Generating music might seem like the most gratuitous of my #AI use-cases so far, but I am looking into something more serious. In particular, I am exploring how topical music could be used to process #trauma.
From my own teenage experience I know how heavy music can help process despair and sadness. So, I started generating some heavy songs about dramatic and traumatic events such as #evictions. Some initial reactions have been good. -
Generating music might seem like the most gratuitous of my #AI use-cases so far, but I am looking into something more serious. In particular, I am exploring how topical music could be used to process #trauma.
From my own teenage experience I know how heavy music can help process despair and sadness. So, I started generating some heavy songs about dramatic and traumatic events such as #evictions. Some initial reactions have been good. -
Zena Shapter will be running a class on Self-editing for novelists.
Zena is a multi-award-winning author of science fiction, fantasy, speculative, and contemporary fiction.
Join in-person at the Pullman Brisbane King George Square, Brisbane or online.
View the full program and book at www.cyaconference.com/program
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Zena Shapter will be running a class on Self-editing for novelists.
Zena is a multi-award-winning author of science fiction, fantasy, speculative, and contemporary fiction.
Join in-person at the Pullman Brisbane King George Square, Brisbane or online.
View the full program and book at www.cyaconference.com/program
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Polizeiaktion an Bahnhöfen - Dobrindt lobt Videoüberwachung
#AlexanderDobrindt #Bayern #Bundesinnenminister #Bundespolizei #Gewalt #Hauptbahnhof #Kriminalität #München #Polizeikontrolle #Sicherheit #Videoüberwachung
https://bahnblogstelle.com/241982/polizeiaktion-an-bahnhoefen-dobrindt-lobt-videoueberwachung/
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Polizeiaktion an Bahnhöfen - Dobrindt lobt Videoüberwachung
#AlexanderDobrindt #Bayern #Bundesinnenminister #Bundespolizei #Gewalt #Hauptbahnhof #Kriminalität #München #Polizeikontrolle #Sicherheit #Videoüberwachung
https://bahnblogstelle.com/241982/polizeiaktion-an-bahnhoefen-dobrindt-lobt-videoueberwachung/
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Polizeiaktion an Bahnhöfen - Dobrindt lobt Videoüberwachung
#AlexanderDobrindt #Bayern #Bundesinnenminister #Bundespolizei #Gewalt #Hauptbahnhof #Kriminalität #München #Polizeikontrolle #Sicherheit #Videoüberwachung
https://bahnblogstelle.com/241982/polizeiaktion-an-bahnhoefen-dobrindt-lobt-videoueberwachung/
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Polizeiaktion an Bahnhöfen - Dobrindt lobt Videoüberwachung
#AlexanderDobrindt #Bayern #Bundesinnenminister #Bundespolizei #Gewalt #Hauptbahnhof #Kriminalität #München #Polizeikontrolle #Sicherheit #Videoüberwachung
https://bahnblogstelle.com/241982/polizeiaktion-an-bahnhoefen-dobrindt-lobt-videoueberwachung/
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Polizeiaktion an Bahnhöfen - Dobrindt lobt Videoüberwachung
#AlexanderDobrindt #Bayern #Bundesinnenminister #Bundespolizei #Gewalt #Hauptbahnhof #Kriminalität #München #Polizeikontrolle #Sicherheit #Videoüberwachung
https://bahnblogstelle.com/241982/polizeiaktion-an-bahnhoefen-dobrindt-lobt-videoueberwachung/
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V roce 2023 dosáhl průměrný věk české maminky 30,4 roku. Mladší maminky preferují malé hatchbacky, zatímco starší volí robustnější SUV. Poptávka po autech mezi ženami roste, a to i v segmentu SUV. Jaké auto byste si vybrali vy? #ČeskéMaminky #AutomobilovýTrh #SUV #Hatchback
👉 Více informací najdete zde:
https://tiskovec.cz/clanky/prumerny-vek-ceske-mamy-je-304-roku-cim-je-starsi-tim-robustnejsi-vuz-si-vybira?utm_source=mastodon_social&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=new_article -
The Legal Evolution of Indigenous Identity: Recognition of the Rongmei Tribe in Nagaland
Introduction
The socio-political landscape of Northeast India is frequently defined by the intersection of ancestral heritage and administrative classification. On May 9, 2024, a significant milestone was reached when the Nagaland government approved the issuance of Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificates to 1,313 members of the Rongmei tribe who are permanently settled within the state.1 This decision addresses a long-standing grievance regarding the “indigenous” status of the Rongmei people in Nagaland, a community that also holds deep ancestral roots in Manipur and Assam. Understanding this development requires an analysis of the Zeliangrong identity and the rigorous criteria for “indigenous” recognition in the region.
I. The Zeliangrong Heritage and the Rongmei Identity
The Rongmei people are an integral branch of the Zeliangrong collective, a socio-cultural and political union comprising the Zeme, Liangmai, and Rongmei sub-tribes.2 Historically, these groups have shared a common ancestry and geographic continuity across the contiguous hill tracts of Manipur, Nagaland, and Assam.
International standards, as defined by the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII), characterize indigenous peoples by their historical continuity, language, and ancestral occupation of lands prior to modern state formation.3 In the context of Nagaland, the Zeliang and Rongmei identities have been closely intertwined; however, the formal recognition of the Rongmei as a separate ST entity within Nagaland has faced unique hurdles compared to their status in Manipur, where they are recognized as a core indigenous group.4
II. The Criteria for Indigenous Inhabitants in Nagaland
The government’s recent approval is not a blanket recognition but is strictly bound by the “1963 Cut-off Date.” Under the Nagaland Land and Revenue Regulations, an “Indigenous Inhabitant” is defined as a person who settled in the state prior to December 1, 1963 (the date of Nagaland’s statehood).5
This legal threshold is essential for several reasons:
- Protection of Rights: Recognition grants access to reservation in government jobs and education, as well as the right to own land in protected areas.6
- Genealogical Verification: The 1,313 approved individuals and their direct descendants were identified through a rigorous verification process conducted by the state-appointed Committee on Rongmei Indigenous Inhabitant of Nagaland.7
III. Regional Comparisons: Manipur and the Yek Salai System
The meaning of “Indigenous” for the Rongmei takes on a different legal dimension in neighboring Manipur. There, indigenous status is often validated through the “Yek Salai” system—a traditional clan classification system dating back to 33 CE.8 While Nagaland relies on a modern administrative cut-off (1963), Manipur’s traditionalists, such as the Federation of Haomee, argue for a definition based on “First Settler” status and ancestral village records.9
In Manipur, the Rongmei, along with the Zeme and Liangmai (historically grouped as Kacha Nagas), are listed as Scheduled Tribes with a population of over 62,000 as of the 2001 Census.10 The disparity in population and recognition between the states has often led to identity fluctuations for Rongmei families living near the borders.
IV. Neighbouring Tribes and the Scheduled Tribe List
The Nagaland government’s decision must be viewed within the broader framework of the Scheduled Tribe list, which includes diverse Naga and non-Naga groups:
- Naga Tribes: Angami, Ao, Chakhesang, Chang, Konyak, Lotha, Phom, Pochury, Rengma, Sangtam, Sumi, Yimkhiung, Khiamniungan, and Zeliang (Zeme and Liangmai).11
- Neighboring Groups: The Kuki tribe, which shares borders with Zeliangrong areas, is also recognized, though historical standing orders from the British era sometimes distinguished between original settlers and later migrants.12
Conclusion
The approval of ST certificates for the Rongmei in Nagaland signifies a reconciliation between historical presence and legal documentation. By acknowledging those settled since 1963, the state recognizes the Rongmei as a legitimate component of its indigenous fabric while maintaining the integrity of its statehood-based eligibility criteria. This move reinforces the Zeliangrong bond and ensures that the Rongmei’s historical ties to the land are translated into contemporary socio-economic protections.
Footnotes
1 “Nagaland Govt Approves ST Certificates for Rongmei Tribe Members Settled in State,” The Sentinel Assam, May 10, 2024.
2 M. T. Laiba, Geography of Manipur, (Imphal: Angomcha Longjam Langmeiba Thangmeiband, 1996), 503.
3 Fifteenth Session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII), Report on Indigenous Issues, May 2016.
4 United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Art. 33, 2007.
5 Government of Nagaland, Notification on Indigenous Inhabitant Status, No. Home/Sectt-1/8/94.
6 Supreme Court of India, Kailas & Others v. State of Maharashtra, Criminal Appellate Jurisdiction, January 5, 2011.
7 “State Cabinet Approves ST Status for 1313 Rongmeis,” Nagaland Post, May 9, 2024.
8 Federation of Haomee (FOH), Resolution on Indigenous Communities and the Yek Salai System, 2019.
9 O. Kumar Singh, Archaeological Finds in Manipur Caves, (Imphal: Anthropological Survey, 1983).
10 Census of India 2001, Scheduled Tribes Population of Manipur.
11 Government of India, The Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950 (as amended).
12 T. A. Sharp, Standing Order of the President of the Manipur State Darbar, July 23, 1941.
Bibliography
Census of India 2001. Scheduled Tribes Population of Manipur. New Delhi: Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India.
Government of India. The Constitution of India. Articles 342 and 366(25).
Jamir, Senayangba Chubatoshi. “Indigenous Identity in Nagaland.” Keynote address at the Nagaland Indigenous People’s Forum, Dimapur, October 27, 2019.
Laiba, M. T. Geography of Manipur. Imphal: Angomcha Longjam Langmeiba Thangmeiband, 1996.
Manipur State Darbar. Standing Orders of the President (PMSD). Order No. 2 of 1941.
Singh, O. Kumar. Prehistoric Archaeology of Manipur. Imphal: State Museum Publications, 1983.
United Nations General Assembly. United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Resolution 61/295. New York: UN, 2007.
United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. Report of the Fifteenth Session. New York: UN, 2016.
Online Source Links (Plain Format)
- Nagaland Post (Cabinet Decision): https://nagalandpost.com/index.php/state-cabinet-approves-st-status-for-1313-rongmeis/
- The Sentinel Assam (Rongmei ST Approval): https://www.sentinelassam.com/north-east-india-news/nagaland-news/nagaland-government-approves-st-certificates-for-rongmei-tribe-members-settled-in-state
- UNDRIP Declaration: https://www.un.org/development/desa/indigenouspeoples/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2018/11/UNDRIP_E_web.pdf
- Nagaland Government Official Portal: https://www.nagaland.gov.in/
- Supreme Court Judgment (Indigenous Rights): https://main.sci.gov.in/jonew/judis/37330.pdf
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The Legal Evolution of Indigenous Identity: Recognition of the Rongmei Tribe in Nagaland
Introduction
The socio-political landscape of Northeast India is frequently defined by the intersection of ancestral heritage and administrative classification. On May 9, 2024, a significant milestone was reached when the Nagaland government approved the issuance of Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificates to 1,313 members of the Rongmei tribe who are permanently settled within the state.1 This decision addresses a long-standing grievance regarding the “indigenous” status of the Rongmei people in Nagaland, a community that also holds deep ancestral roots in Manipur and Assam. Understanding this development requires an analysis of the Zeliangrong identity and the rigorous criteria for “indigenous” recognition in the region.
I. The Zeliangrong Heritage and the Rongmei Identity
The Rongmei people are an integral branch of the Zeliangrong collective, a socio-cultural and political union comprising the Zeme, Liangmai, and Rongmei sub-tribes.2 Historically, these groups have shared a common ancestry and geographic continuity across the contiguous hill tracts of Manipur, Nagaland, and Assam.
International standards, as defined by the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII), characterize indigenous peoples by their historical continuity, language, and ancestral occupation of lands prior to modern state formation.3 In the context of Nagaland, the Zeliang and Rongmei identities have been closely intertwined; however, the formal recognition of the Rongmei as a separate ST entity within Nagaland has faced unique hurdles compared to their status in Manipur, where they are recognized as a core indigenous group.4
II. The Criteria for Indigenous Inhabitants in Nagaland
The government’s recent approval is not a blanket recognition but is strictly bound by the “1963 Cut-off Date.” Under the Nagaland Land and Revenue Regulations, an “Indigenous Inhabitant” is defined as a person who settled in the state prior to December 1, 1963 (the date of Nagaland’s statehood).5
This legal threshold is essential for several reasons:
- Protection of Rights: Recognition grants access to reservation in government jobs and education, as well as the right to own land in protected areas.6
- Genealogical Verification: The 1,313 approved individuals and their direct descendants were identified through a rigorous verification process conducted by the state-appointed Committee on Rongmei Indigenous Inhabitant of Nagaland.7
III. Regional Comparisons: Manipur and the Yek Salai System
The meaning of “Indigenous” for the Rongmei takes on a different legal dimension in neighboring Manipur. There, indigenous status is often validated through the “Yek Salai” system—a traditional clan classification system dating back to 33 CE.8 While Nagaland relies on a modern administrative cut-off (1963), Manipur’s traditionalists, such as the Federation of Haomee, argue for a definition based on “First Settler” status and ancestral village records.9
In Manipur, the Rongmei, along with the Zeme and Liangmai (historically grouped as Kacha Nagas), are listed as Scheduled Tribes with a population of over 62,000 as of the 2001 Census.10 The disparity in population and recognition between the states has often led to identity fluctuations for Rongmei families living near the borders.
IV. Neighbouring Tribes and the Scheduled Tribe List
The Nagaland government’s decision must be viewed within the broader framework of the Scheduled Tribe list, which includes diverse Naga and non-Naga groups:
- Naga Tribes: Angami, Ao, Chakhesang, Chang, Konyak, Lotha, Phom, Pochury, Rengma, Sangtam, Sumi, Yimkhiung, Khiamniungan, and Zeliang (Zeme and Liangmai).11
- Neighboring Groups: The Kuki tribe, which shares borders with Zeliangrong areas, is also recognized, though historical standing orders from the British era sometimes distinguished between original settlers and later migrants.12
Conclusion
The approval of ST certificates for the Rongmei in Nagaland signifies a reconciliation between historical presence and legal documentation. By acknowledging those settled since 1963, the state recognizes the Rongmei as a legitimate component of its indigenous fabric while maintaining the integrity of its statehood-based eligibility criteria. This move reinforces the Zeliangrong bond and ensures that the Rongmei’s historical ties to the land are translated into contemporary socio-economic protections.
Footnotes
1 “Nagaland Govt Approves ST Certificates for Rongmei Tribe Members Settled in State,” The Sentinel Assam, May 10, 2024.
2 M. T. Laiba, Geography of Manipur, (Imphal: Angomcha Longjam Langmeiba Thangmeiband, 1996), 503.
3 Fifteenth Session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII), Report on Indigenous Issues, May 2016.
4 United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Art. 33, 2007.
5 Government of Nagaland, Notification on Indigenous Inhabitant Status, No. Home/Sectt-1/8/94.
6 Supreme Court of India, Kailas & Others v. State of Maharashtra, Criminal Appellate Jurisdiction, January 5, 2011.
7 “State Cabinet Approves ST Status for 1313 Rongmeis,” Nagaland Post, May 9, 2024.
8 Federation of Haomee (FOH), Resolution on Indigenous Communities and the Yek Salai System, 2019.
9 O. Kumar Singh, Archaeological Finds in Manipur Caves, (Imphal: Anthropological Survey, 1983).
10 Census of India 2001, Scheduled Tribes Population of Manipur.
11 Government of India, The Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950 (as amended).
12 T. A. Sharp, Standing Order of the President of the Manipur State Darbar, July 23, 1941.
Bibliography
Census of India 2001. Scheduled Tribes Population of Manipur. New Delhi: Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India.
Government of India. The Constitution of India. Articles 342 and 366(25).
Jamir, Senayangba Chubatoshi. “Indigenous Identity in Nagaland.” Keynote address at the Nagaland Indigenous People’s Forum, Dimapur, October 27, 2019.
Laiba, M. T. Geography of Manipur. Imphal: Angomcha Longjam Langmeiba Thangmeiband, 1996.
Manipur State Darbar. Standing Orders of the President (PMSD). Order No. 2 of 1941.
Singh, O. Kumar. Prehistoric Archaeology of Manipur. Imphal: State Museum Publications, 1983.
United Nations General Assembly. United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Resolution 61/295. New York: UN, 2007.
United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. Report of the Fifteenth Session. New York: UN, 2016.
Online Source Links (Plain Format)
- Nagaland Post (Cabinet Decision): https://nagalandpost.com/index.php/state-cabinet-approves-st-status-for-1313-rongmeis/
- The Sentinel Assam (Rongmei ST Approval): https://www.sentinelassam.com/north-east-india-news/nagaland-news/nagaland-government-approves-st-certificates-for-rongmei-tribe-members-settled-in-state
- UNDRIP Declaration: https://www.un.org/development/desa/indigenouspeoples/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2018/11/UNDRIP_E_web.pdf
- Nagaland Government Official Portal: https://www.nagaland.gov.in/
- Supreme Court Judgment (Indigenous Rights): https://main.sci.gov.in/jonew/judis/37330.pdf
-
The Legal Evolution of Indigenous Identity: Recognition of the Rongmei Tribe in Nagaland
Introduction
The socio-political landscape of Northeast India is frequently defined by the intersection of ancestral heritage and administrative classification. On May 9, 2024, a significant milestone was reached when the Nagaland government approved the issuance of Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificates to 1,313 members of the Rongmei tribe who are permanently settled within the state.1 This decision addresses a long-standing grievance regarding the “indigenous” status of the Rongmei people in Nagaland, a community that also holds deep ancestral roots in Manipur and Assam. Understanding this development requires an analysis of the Zeliangrong identity and the rigorous criteria for “indigenous” recognition in the region.
I. The Zeliangrong Heritage and the Rongmei Identity
The Rongmei people are an integral branch of the Zeliangrong collective, a socio-cultural and political union comprising the Zeme, Liangmai, and Rongmei sub-tribes.2 Historically, these groups have shared a common ancestry and geographic continuity across the contiguous hill tracts of Manipur, Nagaland, and Assam.
International standards, as defined by the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII), characterize indigenous peoples by their historical continuity, language, and ancestral occupation of lands prior to modern state formation.3 In the context of Nagaland, the Zeliang and Rongmei identities have been closely intertwined; however, the formal recognition of the Rongmei as a separate ST entity within Nagaland has faced unique hurdles compared to their status in Manipur, where they are recognized as a core indigenous group.4
II. The Criteria for Indigenous Inhabitants in Nagaland
The government’s recent approval is not a blanket recognition but is strictly bound by the “1963 Cut-off Date.” Under the Nagaland Land and Revenue Regulations, an “Indigenous Inhabitant” is defined as a person who settled in the state prior to December 1, 1963 (the date of Nagaland’s statehood).5
This legal threshold is essential for several reasons:
- Protection of Rights: Recognition grants access to reservation in government jobs and education, as well as the right to own land in protected areas.6
- Genealogical Verification: The 1,313 approved individuals and their direct descendants were identified through a rigorous verification process conducted by the state-appointed Committee on Rongmei Indigenous Inhabitant of Nagaland.7
III. Regional Comparisons: Manipur and the Yek Salai System
The meaning of “Indigenous” for the Rongmei takes on a different legal dimension in neighboring Manipur. There, indigenous status is often validated through the “Yek Salai” system—a traditional clan classification system dating back to 33 CE.8 While Nagaland relies on a modern administrative cut-off (1963), Manipur’s traditionalists, such as the Federation of Haomee, argue for a definition based on “First Settler” status and ancestral village records.9
In Manipur, the Rongmei, along with the Zeme and Liangmai (historically grouped as Kacha Nagas), are listed as Scheduled Tribes with a population of over 62,000 as of the 2001 Census.10 The disparity in population and recognition between the states has often led to identity fluctuations for Rongmei families living near the borders.
IV. Neighbouring Tribes and the Scheduled Tribe List
The Nagaland government’s decision must be viewed within the broader framework of the Scheduled Tribe list, which includes diverse Naga and non-Naga groups:
- Naga Tribes: Angami, Ao, Chakhesang, Chang, Konyak, Lotha, Phom, Pochury, Rengma, Sangtam, Sumi, Yimkhiung, Khiamniungan, and Zeliang (Zeme and Liangmai).11
- Neighboring Groups: The Kuki tribe, which shares borders with Zeliangrong areas, is also recognized, though historical standing orders from the British era sometimes distinguished between original settlers and later migrants.12
Conclusion
The approval of ST certificates for the Rongmei in Nagaland signifies a reconciliation between historical presence and legal documentation. By acknowledging those settled since 1963, the state recognizes the Rongmei as a legitimate component of its indigenous fabric while maintaining the integrity of its statehood-based eligibility criteria. This move reinforces the Zeliangrong bond and ensures that the Rongmei’s historical ties to the land are translated into contemporary socio-economic protections.
Footnotes
1 “Nagaland Govt Approves ST Certificates for Rongmei Tribe Members Settled in State,” The Sentinel Assam, May 10, 2024.
2 M. T. Laiba, Geography of Manipur, (Imphal: Angomcha Longjam Langmeiba Thangmeiband, 1996), 503.
3 Fifteenth Session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII), Report on Indigenous Issues, May 2016.
4 United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Art. 33, 2007.
5 Government of Nagaland, Notification on Indigenous Inhabitant Status, No. Home/Sectt-1/8/94.
6 Supreme Court of India, Kailas & Others v. State of Maharashtra, Criminal Appellate Jurisdiction, January 5, 2011.
7 “State Cabinet Approves ST Status for 1313 Rongmeis,” Nagaland Post, May 9, 2024.
8 Federation of Haomee (FOH), Resolution on Indigenous Communities and the Yek Salai System, 2019.
9 O. Kumar Singh, Archaeological Finds in Manipur Caves, (Imphal: Anthropological Survey, 1983).
10 Census of India 2001, Scheduled Tribes Population of Manipur.
11 Government of India, The Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950 (as amended).
12 T. A. Sharp, Standing Order of the President of the Manipur State Darbar, July 23, 1941.
Bibliography
Census of India 2001. Scheduled Tribes Population of Manipur. New Delhi: Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India.
Government of India. The Constitution of India. Articles 342 and 366(25).
Jamir, Senayangba Chubatoshi. “Indigenous Identity in Nagaland.” Keynote address at the Nagaland Indigenous People’s Forum, Dimapur, October 27, 2019.
Laiba, M. T. Geography of Manipur. Imphal: Angomcha Longjam Langmeiba Thangmeiband, 1996.
Manipur State Darbar. Standing Orders of the President (PMSD). Order No. 2 of 1941.
Singh, O. Kumar. Prehistoric Archaeology of Manipur. Imphal: State Museum Publications, 1983.
United Nations General Assembly. United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Resolution 61/295. New York: UN, 2007.
United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. Report of the Fifteenth Session. New York: UN, 2016.
Online Source Links (Plain Format)
- Nagaland Post (Cabinet Decision): https://nagalandpost.com/index.php/state-cabinet-approves-st-status-for-1313-rongmeis/
- The Sentinel Assam (Rongmei ST Approval): https://www.sentinelassam.com/north-east-india-news/nagaland-news/nagaland-government-approves-st-certificates-for-rongmei-tribe-members-settled-in-state
- UNDRIP Declaration: https://www.un.org/development/desa/indigenouspeoples/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2018/11/UNDRIP_E_web.pdf
- Nagaland Government Official Portal: https://www.nagaland.gov.in/
- Supreme Court Judgment (Indigenous Rights): https://main.sci.gov.in/jonew/judis/37330.pdf
-
The Legal Evolution of Indigenous Identity: Recognition of the Rongmei Tribe in Nagaland
Introduction
The socio-political landscape of Northeast India is frequently defined by the intersection of ancestral heritage and administrative classification. On May 9, 2024, a significant milestone was reached when the Nagaland government approved the issuance of Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificates to 1,313 members of the Rongmei tribe who are permanently settled within the state.1 This decision addresses a long-standing grievance regarding the “indigenous” status of the Rongmei people in Nagaland, a community that also holds deep ancestral roots in Manipur and Assam. Understanding this development requires an analysis of the Zeliangrong identity and the rigorous criteria for “indigenous” recognition in the region.
I. The Zeliangrong Heritage and the Rongmei Identity
The Rongmei people are an integral branch of the Zeliangrong collective, a socio-cultural and political union comprising the Zeme, Liangmai, and Rongmei sub-tribes.2 Historically, these groups have shared a common ancestry and geographic continuity across the contiguous hill tracts of Manipur, Nagaland, and Assam.
International standards, as defined by the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII), characterize indigenous peoples by their historical continuity, language, and ancestral occupation of lands prior to modern state formation.3 In the context of Nagaland, the Zeliang and Rongmei identities have been closely intertwined; however, the formal recognition of the Rongmei as a separate ST entity within Nagaland has faced unique hurdles compared to their status in Manipur, where they are recognized as a core indigenous group.4
II. The Criteria for Indigenous Inhabitants in Nagaland
The government’s recent approval is not a blanket recognition but is strictly bound by the “1963 Cut-off Date.” Under the Nagaland Land and Revenue Regulations, an “Indigenous Inhabitant” is defined as a person who settled in the state prior to December 1, 1963 (the date of Nagaland’s statehood).5
This legal threshold is essential for several reasons:
- Protection of Rights: Recognition grants access to reservation in government jobs and education, as well as the right to own land in protected areas.6
- Genealogical Verification: The 1,313 approved individuals and their direct descendants were identified through a rigorous verification process conducted by the state-appointed Committee on Rongmei Indigenous Inhabitant of Nagaland.7
III. Regional Comparisons: Manipur and the Yek Salai System
The meaning of “Indigenous” for the Rongmei takes on a different legal dimension in neighboring Manipur. There, indigenous status is often validated through the “Yek Salai” system—a traditional clan classification system dating back to 33 CE.8 While Nagaland relies on a modern administrative cut-off (1963), Manipur’s traditionalists, such as the Federation of Haomee, argue for a definition based on “First Settler” status and ancestral village records.9
In Manipur, the Rongmei, along with the Zeme and Liangmai (historically grouped as Kacha Nagas), are listed as Scheduled Tribes with a population of over 62,000 as of the 2001 Census.10 The disparity in population and recognition between the states has often led to identity fluctuations for Rongmei families living near the borders.
IV. Neighbouring Tribes and the Scheduled Tribe List
The Nagaland government’s decision must be viewed within the broader framework of the Scheduled Tribe list, which includes diverse Naga and non-Naga groups:
- Naga Tribes: Angami, Ao, Chakhesang, Chang, Konyak, Lotha, Phom, Pochury, Rengma, Sangtam, Sumi, Yimkhiung, Khiamniungan, and Zeliang (Zeme and Liangmai).11
- Neighboring Groups: The Kuki tribe, which shares borders with Zeliangrong areas, is also recognized, though historical standing orders from the British era sometimes distinguished between original settlers and later migrants.12
Conclusion
The approval of ST certificates for the Rongmei in Nagaland signifies a reconciliation between historical presence and legal documentation. By acknowledging those settled since 1963, the state recognizes the Rongmei as a legitimate component of its indigenous fabric while maintaining the integrity of its statehood-based eligibility criteria. This move reinforces the Zeliangrong bond and ensures that the Rongmei’s historical ties to the land are translated into contemporary socio-economic protections.
Footnotes
1 “Nagaland Govt Approves ST Certificates for Rongmei Tribe Members Settled in State,” The Sentinel Assam, May 10, 2024.
2 M. T. Laiba, Geography of Manipur, (Imphal: Angomcha Longjam Langmeiba Thangmeiband, 1996), 503.
3 Fifteenth Session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII), Report on Indigenous Issues, May 2016.
4 United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Art. 33, 2007.
5 Government of Nagaland, Notification on Indigenous Inhabitant Status, No. Home/Sectt-1/8/94.
6 Supreme Court of India, Kailas & Others v. State of Maharashtra, Criminal Appellate Jurisdiction, January 5, 2011.
7 “State Cabinet Approves ST Status for 1313 Rongmeis,” Nagaland Post, May 9, 2024.
8 Federation of Haomee (FOH), Resolution on Indigenous Communities and the Yek Salai System, 2019.
9 O. Kumar Singh, Archaeological Finds in Manipur Caves, (Imphal: Anthropological Survey, 1983).
10 Census of India 2001, Scheduled Tribes Population of Manipur.
11 Government of India, The Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950 (as amended).
12 T. A. Sharp, Standing Order of the President of the Manipur State Darbar, July 23, 1941.
Bibliography
Census of India 2001. Scheduled Tribes Population of Manipur. New Delhi: Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India.
Government of India. The Constitution of India. Articles 342 and 366(25).
Jamir, Senayangba Chubatoshi. “Indigenous Identity in Nagaland.” Keynote address at the Nagaland Indigenous People’s Forum, Dimapur, October 27, 2019.
Laiba, M. T. Geography of Manipur. Imphal: Angomcha Longjam Langmeiba Thangmeiband, 1996.
Manipur State Darbar. Standing Orders of the President (PMSD). Order No. 2 of 1941.
Singh, O. Kumar. Prehistoric Archaeology of Manipur. Imphal: State Museum Publications, 1983.
United Nations General Assembly. United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Resolution 61/295. New York: UN, 2007.
United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. Report of the Fifteenth Session. New York: UN, 2016.
Online Source Links (Plain Format)
- Nagaland Post (Cabinet Decision): https://nagalandpost.com/index.php/state-cabinet-approves-st-status-for-1313-rongmeis/
- The Sentinel Assam (Rongmei ST Approval): https://www.sentinelassam.com/north-east-india-news/nagaland-news/nagaland-government-approves-st-certificates-for-rongmei-tribe-members-settled-in-state
- UNDRIP Declaration: https://www.un.org/development/desa/indigenouspeoples/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2018/11/UNDRIP_E_web.pdf
- Nagaland Government Official Portal: https://www.nagaland.gov.in/
- Supreme Court Judgment (Indigenous Rights): https://main.sci.gov.in/jonew/judis/37330.pdf
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The Legal Evolution of Indigenous Identity: Recognition of the Rongmei Tribe in Nagaland
Introduction
The socio-political landscape of Northeast India is frequently defined by the intersection of ancestral heritage and administrative classification. On May 9, 2024, a significant milestone was reached when the Nagaland government approved the issuance of Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificates to 1,313 members of the Rongmei tribe who are permanently settled within the state.1 This decision addresses a long-standing grievance regarding the “indigenous” status of the Rongmei people in Nagaland, a community that also holds deep ancestral roots in Manipur and Assam. Understanding this development requires an analysis of the Zeliangrong identity and the rigorous criteria for “indigenous” recognition in the region.
I. The Zeliangrong Heritage and the Rongmei Identity
The Rongmei people are an integral branch of the Zeliangrong collective, a socio-cultural and political union comprising the Zeme, Liangmai, and Rongmei sub-tribes.2 Historically, these groups have shared a common ancestry and geographic continuity across the contiguous hill tracts of Manipur, Nagaland, and Assam.
International standards, as defined by the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII), characterize indigenous peoples by their historical continuity, language, and ancestral occupation of lands prior to modern state formation.3 In the context of Nagaland, the Zeliang and Rongmei identities have been closely intertwined; however, the formal recognition of the Rongmei as a separate ST entity within Nagaland has faced unique hurdles compared to their status in Manipur, where they are recognized as a core indigenous group.4
II. The Criteria for Indigenous Inhabitants in Nagaland
The government’s recent approval is not a blanket recognition but is strictly bound by the “1963 Cut-off Date.” Under the Nagaland Land and Revenue Regulations, an “Indigenous Inhabitant” is defined as a person who settled in the state prior to December 1, 1963 (the date of Nagaland’s statehood).5
This legal threshold is essential for several reasons:
- Protection of Rights: Recognition grants access to reservation in government jobs and education, as well as the right to own land in protected areas.6
- Genealogical Verification: The 1,313 approved individuals and their direct descendants were identified through a rigorous verification process conducted by the state-appointed Committee on Rongmei Indigenous Inhabitant of Nagaland.7
III. Regional Comparisons: Manipur and the Yek Salai System
The meaning of “Indigenous” for the Rongmei takes on a different legal dimension in neighboring Manipur. There, indigenous status is often validated through the “Yek Salai” system—a traditional clan classification system dating back to 33 CE.8 While Nagaland relies on a modern administrative cut-off (1963), Manipur’s traditionalists, such as the Federation of Haomee, argue for a definition based on “First Settler” status and ancestral village records.9
In Manipur, the Rongmei, along with the Zeme and Liangmai (historically grouped as Kacha Nagas), are listed as Scheduled Tribes with a population of over 62,000 as of the 2001 Census.10 The disparity in population and recognition between the states has often led to identity fluctuations for Rongmei families living near the borders.
IV. Neighbouring Tribes and the Scheduled Tribe List
The Nagaland government’s decision must be viewed within the broader framework of the Scheduled Tribe list, which includes diverse Naga and non-Naga groups:
- Naga Tribes: Angami, Ao, Chakhesang, Chang, Konyak, Lotha, Phom, Pochury, Rengma, Sangtam, Sumi, Yimkhiung, Khiamniungan, and Zeliang (Zeme and Liangmai).11
- Neighboring Groups: The Kuki tribe, which shares borders with Zeliangrong areas, is also recognized, though historical standing orders from the British era sometimes distinguished between original settlers and later migrants.12
Conclusion
The approval of ST certificates for the Rongmei in Nagaland signifies a reconciliation between historical presence and legal documentation. By acknowledging those settled since 1963, the state recognizes the Rongmei as a legitimate component of its indigenous fabric while maintaining the integrity of its statehood-based eligibility criteria. This move reinforces the Zeliangrong bond and ensures that the Rongmei’s historical ties to the land are translated into contemporary socio-economic protections.
Footnotes
1 “Nagaland Govt Approves ST Certificates for Rongmei Tribe Members Settled in State,” The Sentinel Assam, May 10, 2024.
2 M. T. Laiba, Geography of Manipur, (Imphal: Angomcha Longjam Langmeiba Thangmeiband, 1996), 503.
3 Fifteenth Session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII), Report on Indigenous Issues, May 2016.
4 United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Art. 33, 2007.
5 Government of Nagaland, Notification on Indigenous Inhabitant Status, No. Home/Sectt-1/8/94.
6 Supreme Court of India, Kailas & Others v. State of Maharashtra, Criminal Appellate Jurisdiction, January 5, 2011.
7 “State Cabinet Approves ST Status for 1313 Rongmeis,” Nagaland Post, May 9, 2024.
8 Federation of Haomee (FOH), Resolution on Indigenous Communities and the Yek Salai System, 2019.
9 O. Kumar Singh, Archaeological Finds in Manipur Caves, (Imphal: Anthropological Survey, 1983).
10 Census of India 2001, Scheduled Tribes Population of Manipur.
11 Government of India, The Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950 (as amended).
12 T. A. Sharp, Standing Order of the President of the Manipur State Darbar, July 23, 1941.
Bibliography
Census of India 2001. Scheduled Tribes Population of Manipur. New Delhi: Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India.
Government of India. The Constitution of India. Articles 342 and 366(25).
Jamir, Senayangba Chubatoshi. “Indigenous Identity in Nagaland.” Keynote address at the Nagaland Indigenous People’s Forum, Dimapur, October 27, 2019.
Laiba, M. T. Geography of Manipur. Imphal: Angomcha Longjam Langmeiba Thangmeiband, 1996.
Manipur State Darbar. Standing Orders of the President (PMSD). Order No. 2 of 1941.
Singh, O. Kumar. Prehistoric Archaeology of Manipur. Imphal: State Museum Publications, 1983.
United Nations General Assembly. United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Resolution 61/295. New York: UN, 2007.
United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. Report of the Fifteenth Session. New York: UN, 2016.
Online Source Links (Plain Format)
- Nagaland Post (Cabinet Decision): https://nagalandpost.com/index.php/state-cabinet-approves-st-status-for-1313-rongmeis/
- The Sentinel Assam (Rongmei ST Approval): https://www.sentinelassam.com/north-east-india-news/nagaland-news/nagaland-government-approves-st-certificates-for-rongmei-tribe-members-settled-in-state
- UNDRIP Declaration: https://www.un.org/development/desa/indigenouspeoples/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2018/11/UNDRIP_E_web.pdf
- Nagaland Government Official Portal: https://www.nagaland.gov.in/
- Supreme Court Judgment (Indigenous Rights): https://main.sci.gov.in/jonew/judis/37330.pdf
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This Thursday: guided meditation with Zen Master Sebastian Rizzon.
Where does experience happen?
A koan meditation on awareness, direct experience, and the stillness before thought.
May 7, 2026
7–8 PM ETIn person: 86 Joy St. Studio 5R, Somerville, MA
Livestream: https://youtube.com/live/ouRxGXI88z8#GuidedMeditation #ZenMeditation #KoanMeditation #SomervilleMA
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https://www.europesays.com/cz/61748/ Mladá žena na Bruntálsku spadla z koně a vážně si poranila hlavu #Bruntálsko #ČeskáRepublika #Česko #CzechRepublic #Czechia #FakultníNemocniceOlomouc(FNOlomouc) #koně #Záchranáři #Žena #Zranění
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https://www.europesays.com/sk/67852/ Tereza Mašková šokovala fanúšikov. Jej netradičný sen je aj poriadne nebezpečný – Ľudia – Žena #ambície #Celebrities #Celebrity #českoSlovenskáSuperstar #ciel #Entertainment #FamousPeople #MountEverest #O2Arena #sen #SK #SlávneOsobnosti #Slovak #Slovakia #Slovenčina #Slovensko #speváčka #superstar #TerezaMašková #Zábava
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Depois de seis anos, o Canal Brasil volta a transmitir o Prêmio da Música Brasileira que, nesta 31ª edição, terá Tim Maia como homenageado e shows de artistas como Marisa Monte, Ney Matogrosso, Alceu Valença, Margareth Menezes e Zélia Duncan. No canal, a apresentação será de Simone Zuccolotto, com comentários de Charles Gavin e reportagem de Jup do Bairro e Maria Clara Senra. A cerimônia ocorre nesta quarta-feira, 12 de junho, no Theatro Municipal, no Rio de Janeiro. A transmissão, que poderá ser vista também por meio do Globoplay + Canais Ao Vivo, terá início às 20h45, com direção geral de Luciana Araujo e direção de conteúdo de Erika Rodrigues, sob a liderança de Gesiele Vendramini.
O Prêmio da Música Brasileira conta com apresentações de mais de 25 artistas, que vão cantar sucessos do grande homenageado. Alguns clássicos confirmados são Primavera e Azul da Cor do Mar, interpretados em um dueto de Ney Matogrosso e Simone; Você, na voz de Marisa Monte; e Dia de Domingo, apresentado por Zélia Duncan e Silva. Outros talentos que também compõem o line-up são Seu Jorge, Carlinhos Brown, Xamã, Sandra Sá, Gloria Groove, entre outros.
Sob a direção de José Maurício Machline, a edição deste ano vai celebrar o vasto legado de Tim Maia, apresentando números musicais exclusivos que exploram seu rico repertório, com encontros inéditos de grandes nomes da música brasileira. Artistas de diferentes gerações, gêneros musicais e regiões do país subirão ao palco para honrar o síndico da música brasileira, cuja influência transcende gerações.
Para além da excelência musical, o 31º Prêmio da Música Brasileira terá cenografia assinada por Gringo Cardia, prometendo mergulhar o público no universo de Tim Maia, em uma experiência estética memorável.
#AlceuValença #CanalBrasil #CarlinhosBrown #Globoplay #GloriaGroove #MargarethMenezes #MarisaMonte #NeyMatogrosso #PrêmioDaMúsicaBrasileira #SandraSá #SeuJorge #TimMaia #TV #Xamã #ZéliaDuncan
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„Ženám zavřít hubu, černé do vězení.“ Nick Fuentes se hlásí o moc
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„Ženám zavřít hubu, černé do vězení.“ Nick Fuentes se hlásí o moc
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„Ženám zavřít hubu, černé do vězení.“ Nick Fuentes se hlásí o moc
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„Ženám zavřít hubu, černé do vězení.“ Nick Fuentes se hlásí o moc
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Your mind is a mirror.
But every experience, belief, and thought leaves behind dust.
Eventually, you stop seeing the world clearly…
and start mistaking the dust for who you are.Clear the mirror. Return to clarity.
#Zen #Mindfulness #Karma #Consciousness #SpiritualAwakening #SelfInquiry #Nonduality #Buddhism #LetGo #MirrorMind #TrueSelf
https://youtube.com/shorts/v9Z1YY82-Cc -
Your mind is a mirror.
But every experience, belief, and thought leaves behind dust.
Eventually, you stop seeing the world clearly…
and start mistaking the dust for who you are.Clear the mirror. Return to clarity.
#Zen #Mindfulness #Karma #Consciousness #SpiritualAwakening #SelfInquiry #Nonduality #Buddhism #LetGo #MirrorMind #TrueSelf
https://youtube.com/shorts/v9Z1YY82-Cc -
Your mind is a mirror.
But every experience, belief, and thought leaves behind dust.
Eventually, you stop seeing the world clearly…
and start mistaking the dust for who you are.Clear the mirror. Return to clarity.
#Zen #Mindfulness #Karma #Consciousness #SpiritualAwakening #SelfInquiry #Nonduality #Buddhism #LetGo #MirrorMind #TrueSelf
https://youtube.com/shorts/v9Z1YY82-Cc -
Your mind is a mirror.
But every experience, belief, and thought leaves behind dust.
Eventually, you stop seeing the world clearly…
and start mistaking the dust for who you are.Clear the mirror. Return to clarity.
#Zen #Mindfulness #Karma #Consciousness #SpiritualAwakening #SelfInquiry #Nonduality #Buddhism #LetGo #MirrorMind #TrueSelf
https://youtube.com/shorts/v9Z1YY82-Cc -
Your mind is a mirror.
But every experience, belief, and thought leaves behind dust.
Eventually, you stop seeing the world clearly…
and start mistaking the dust for who you are.Clear the mirror. Return to clarity.
#Zen #Mindfulness #Karma #Consciousness #SpiritualAwakening #SelfInquiry #Nonduality #Buddhism #LetGo #MirrorMind #TrueSelf
https://youtube.com/shorts/v9Z1YY82-Cc -
Your body is always changing. Your thoughts, your emotions—even your sense of self—shift from day to day. So what remains constant? To truly know yourself, you must go beyond what changes. You must understand the part of you that doesn’t. #Zen #Mindfulness #Consciousness #Identity #WhoAmI #Change #Impermanence #TrueSelf https://youtube.com/shorts/1_ASyejmgDk
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Your body is always changing. Your thoughts, your emotions—even your sense of self—shift from day to day. So what remains constant? To truly know yourself, you must go beyond what changes. You must understand the part of you that doesn’t. #Zen #Mindfulness #Consciousness #Identity #WhoAmI #Change #Impermanence #TrueSelf https://youtube.com/shorts/1_ASyejmgDk