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Saturday, May 9, 2026

Issuance of Schedules Tribe (ST) Certificate for members of Rongmei Tribes Permanently Settled in Nagaland

 GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND

HOME DEPARTMENT :: HOME BRANCH

NO.HOME/SCST-27/01/2025/137                                               Dated Kohima, the 8th May, 2026

NOTIFICATION

Sub: Issuance of Scheduled Tribe (ST) Certificate for members of Rongmei Tribe permanently settled in Nagaland.

The Governor of Nagaland is pleased to order that the 1,313 members of the Rongmei Tribe permanently settled in Nagaland, as enumerated and compiled by the Committee constituted by the State Government on 28.09.2007 vide Notification No. Home/SCTA-6/2007 in the three districts of Kohima, Peren and erstwhile Dimapur, and their direct descendants, may be issued Scheduled Tribe Certificate stating that they are Scheduled Tribe (ST) of Manipur and permanently settled in Nagaland.

  1. Any member of the Rongmei Tribe whose name has been enumerated and compiled by the aforesaid Committee, and also his/her direct descendants, and who wishes to obtain a ST Certificate, shall apply in the format enclosed as Annexure I with the requisite details to the Deputy Commissioner of Kohima district/ Peren district/ Dimapur district, including Chumoukedima district and Niuland district, which were part of the erstwhile Dimapur district, as the case may be.
  2. The respective Deputy Commissioner shall issue ST Certificate to the eligible members of the Rongmei Tribe permanently settled in Nagaland after due verification in the format enclosed as Annexure II.
  3. The ST Certificate issued to the enumerated 1313 members of Rongmei Tribe permanently settled in Nagaland and their direct descendants are for the sole purpose of enabling them to avail the benefits of ST reservation for Central Government employment and Central educational institutions.

This ST Certificate shall not entitle the said 1313 members of the Rongmei Tribe and their direct descendants, to any reservation, concession or benefits specifically reserved for the Scheduled Tribes indigenous to the State of Nagaland.

  1. While applying for the Certificate in requisite format, the 1,313 members of the Rongmei Tribe and their direct descendants should only apply to the Deputy Commissioner of the district under which they have been enumerated i.e. Kohima, Peren, Dimapur and including Chumoukedima and Niuland district which were part of the erstwhile Dimapur, as the case may be, and compiled by the Committee constituted by the State Government on 28.09.2007 vide Notification No. Home/SCTA-6/2007.

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  1. (i) Any person obtaining or attempting to obtain a certificate by misrepresentation or fraud, his/her Certificate shall be liable for cancellation and he/she shall also be liable for prosecution under applicable laws.

         (ii) The Deputy Commissioner after inquiry may cancel the certificate.

        (iii) Appeal against the decision of the Deputy Commissioner shall lie to the Commissioner,                         Nagaland.

  1. Notwithstanding anything inconsistent contained in any prior notification issued by the State Government, the provisions of this Notification shall govern the issuance of Scheduled Tribe certificate to the said enumerated 1,313 members of the Rongmei Tribe and compiled by the Committee constituted by the State Government on 28.09.2007 vide Notification No. Home/SCTA-6/2007, and their direct descendants.
  2. This is issued in pursuance of the decision of the Cabinet in its meeting on 26.02.2026 conveyed vide.CAB-1/14/2023/ dated 12.03.2026 of the Cabinet Secretariat (Cabinet Cell).

Sd/-

SENTIYANGER IMCHEN, IAS
Chief Secretary, Nagaland

NO.HOME/SCST-27/01/2025/137                                                   Dated Kohima, the 8th May, 2026

Copy to:-

  1. The Commissioner & Secretary to Governor of Nagaland, Lok Bhavan, Kohima.
  2. The Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Nagaland, Kohima.
  3. The Sr. PS to Deputy Chief Ministers, Nagaland Kohima.
  4. The Sr. PS/PS to Speaker/Deputy Speaker, NLA, Nagaland Kohima.
  5. The Sr.PS/PS to all Ministers/Advisors, Nagaland Kohima.
  6. The Secretary-in-charge, NLA, Nagaland for kind information of all Members of Legislative Assembly.
  7. The Joint Secretary to Chief Secretary, Nagaland Kohima.
  8. The Commissioner & Secretary, Law & Justice Department, Nagaland Kohima.
  9. The Commissioner, Nagaland Kohima for information and necessary action.
  10. The Commissioner & Secretary, P & AR Dept., Nagaland, Kohima.
  11. The Deputy Commissioner, Kohima/Dimapur/Chumoukedima/Niuland/Peren, Nagaland for information and necessary action.
  12. The Director, Printing & Stationery, Nagaland Kohima, for publication in the State Gazette.
  13. Office Copy/ Guard File.

(ABHIJIT SINHA), IAS
Principal Secretary, Home
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Friday, May 8, 2026

The Indigenous Identity of the Rongmei Tribe: A Socio-Legal Analysis

Introduction

The discourse on indigenous identity in Northeast India is a complex tapestry of historical continuity and legal classification. Central to this discussion is the Rongmei Naga tribe, a group whose presence across Nagaland, Manipur, and Assam defines the regional socio-political landscape. As part of the broader Zeliangrong community—comprising the Zeme, Liangmai, and Rongmei sub-tribes—the Rongmei people embody the criteria for "Indigenous Peoples" as framed by international standards and regional traditions.

I. Defining the Indigenous: Global and Local Frameworks

The United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) identifies indigenous peoples as distinctive groups with historical ties to a particular territory prior to later settlement or occupation.1 These groups are characterized by a close attachment to ancestral lands, the presence of customary institutions, and a distinct language.2 On an individual basis, an indigenous person is defined through self-identification and acceptance by the indigenous community.3

In the context of Manipur, "indigenous" status is often linked to the "Yek Salai" system—a clan classification historically recognized by the monarchy.4 The Manipur kings, starting from 33 CE, assigned this unique identity to indigenous communities.5 Consequently, those belonging to the recognized Yek Salais are regarded as the original inhabitants or "First Settlers" of the region.6

II. The Rongmei Tribe and the Zeliangrong Heritage

The Rongmei people are an integral part of the Zeliangrong collective, which emphasizes the common ancestry shared by the Zeme, Liangmai, and Rongmei.7

  • Ancestral Continuity: The Rongmei tribe maintains a deep historical connection to the hills of Manipur and adjacent areas in Nagaland and Assam.8

  • Archaeological Ties: Scientific excavations at sites like the Tharon Cave—historically linked to the Liangmai Nagas—indicate human settlement in these hill regions dating back at least 23,000 to 25,000 years.9

  • Historical Integration: The Rongmei (often grouped with Kabui and Inpui in older records) have been recognized as indigenous to the region for millennia, with a written history in Manipur stretching back over 3,000 years.10

III. Legal Status: The Scheduled Tribe List

While the Indian Constitution does not explicitly define "Indigenous People," Article 366(25) refers to "Scheduled Tribes" as those communities notified under Article 342.11 The Supreme Court of India has unequivocally asserted that "Scheduled Tribes are indigenous peoples of India."12 In Manipur, the legal recognition of tribes is cataloged through census records and presidential notifications.

Scheduled Tribes in Manipur (Selected Groups as per 2001 Census)13

  1. Rongmei, Kabui, Inpui: Grouped together (Population: 62,216).

  2. Liangmai, Zeme, Kacha Naga: Grouped together (Population: 20,328).

  3. Other Naga Tribes: Tangkhul (112,944), Mao (38,350), Maram (10,510), Poumai (78,249), Maring (17,361), and Thangal (1,200).

  4. Kuki-Chin-Mizo Tribes: Thadou (115,045), Hmar (42,690), Paite (44,861), Vaiphei (27,791), and Zou (19,112).

  5. Neighbouring Groups: Aimol (3,643), Anal (13,853), Chiru (5,487), Chothe (2,675), Gangte (15,100), and Kom (15,467).

IV. Regional Nuances: Nagaland and Assam

The status of the Rongmei tribe varies across state borders, leading to complex identity debates.

  • Nagaland: In Nagaland, the definition of an indigenous inhabitant is often strictly tied to "Naga blood" and birth within the state.14 Former Chief Minister S.C. Jamir noted that while a Naga from Manipur is indigenous in their home state, they do not automatically hold indigenous status in Nagaland.15

  • Assam: In the Cachar and Dima Hasao districts of Assam, the Rongmei are recognized as a Scheduled Tribe, maintaining their identity as part of the broader indigenous fabric of the state.

V. Land Rights and Customary Governance

For the Rongmei and their Zeliangrong kin, land is a sacred heritage. The UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) affirms the right of such groups to own, use, and control lands traditionally possessed.16

  • Ancestral Land Claims: Unlike groups historically categorized as "Aliens and Refugees" in British-era standing orders—such as specific Kuki settlements mentioned in the 1941 Standing Order—the Rongmei are recognized as original occupants with established ancestral villages.17

  • Customary Institutions: The maintenance of distinct juridical and social systems is a key marker of Rongmei indigenous identity, allowing them to practice and revitalize their cultural traditions.18

Conclusion

The Rongmei tribe, alongside the Zeme and Liangmai, represents a cornerstone of indigenous heritage in Northeast India. Their identity is defined by a deep historical continuity in their ancestral lands and a robust cultural framework recognized by traditional systems like the Yek Salai. While the Indian legal framework focuses on the "Scheduled Tribe" designation, the Rongmei's claim to being "Indigenous" is rooted in millennia of residence and spiritual connection to the land.

Footnotes

1 Fifteenth Session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII), Report on Indigenous Issues, May 2016.

2 Summary of Resolutions of Workshop on Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Struggle for Right of Self-determination and Self-government in India, UN Doc. E/CN.4/sub.2/AC. 4/1994 /4/Add. 1.

3 UNPFII, Report on Indigenous Issues, 2016.

4 Federation of Haomee (FOH), Resolution on Indigenous Communities and the Yek Salai System, 2019.

5 Manipur State Constitution Act, 1947.

6 FOH, Resolution on Indigenous Communities, 2019.

7 M.T. Laiba, Geography of Manipur, (Imphal: Angomcha Longjam Langmeiba Thangmeiband, 1996).

8 Ibid.

9 O. Kumar Singh, Archaeological Finds in Manipur Caves, (Imphal: Anthropological Survey, 1983).

10 Laiba, Geography of Manipur, 1996.

11 Constitution of India, Art. 366(25).

12 Supreme Court of India, Kailas & Others v. State of Maharashtra, Criminal Appellate Jurisdiction, January 5, 2011.

13 Census of India 2001, Scheduled Tribes Population of Manipur.

14 S.C. Jamir, "Speech at the Launch of Nagaland Indigenous People’s Forum," Dimapur, October 27, 2019.

15 Ibid.

16 United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Art. 26, 2007.

17 T.A. Sharp, Standing Order of the President of the Manipur State Darbar, July 23, 1941.

18 UNDRIP, Art. 34, 2007.

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). Orders No. 2 of 1933 and 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.

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