KVC mandates registration of property transfers and mortgages

Dimapur, October 14 (MExN): The Kuda Village Council (KVC) has issued a directive regarding the regulation of landed property transfers and mortgages within its jurisdiction. In a communication to the Dimapur District Deputy Commissioner on October 14, 2026, the KVC noted that Kuda Village—established in 1941 as Nagarjan—is the first Naga village within the peripheral area of Dimapur town and continues to function under "The Nagaland Village And Tribal Councils Act, 1978". Accordingly, the KVC invoked Section 15(g) of the 1978 Act, which empowers the council to grant consent for every transfer of immovable property and maintain official written records to check illegal or unauthorized transactions. The council noted that these protective measures trace back to Section 7 of the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR) 1873, Sections 160–162 of the Assam Land Revenue Regulations of 1886, Point 16 of the 16-Point Agreement, and the Nagaland Land and Revenue Regulation (Amendment) Act, 1978. Following government notification No. LR/2-118/76 dated November 21, 1979, Dimapur was declared a tribal belt, restricting land transfers strictly to indigenous inhabitants of Nagaland. To combat a rising wave of land scams, such as individuals mortgaging or selling the same plot to multiple parties, the council has mandated that any property owner intending to create a charge (such as a mortgage for bank or private loans) must compulsorily register it with the KVC. The council announced that it will not impose any fees for obtaining written consent or for registering property charges. Furthermore, the KVC cautioned that individuals buying, accepting, or mortgaging properties without council consent or registration do so entirely at their own risk and peril.