Dimapur, July 27 (MExN): Apex bodies of the Zeliangrong people have written a strong note to the NSCN (IM) demanding the ‘immediate stoppage’ of ‘illegal logging’ in Zeliangrong territory by functionaries of the political group.
In a memorandum to the Collective Leadership of the NSCN (IM) on July 7, made public today, the Zeliangrong Baudi, Assam Manipur Nagaland, and the All Zeliangrong Students’ Union, Assam Manipur Nagaland, have called for “stringent action” in the “best interest of justice” on the works of some senior functionaries of the NSCN (IM)’s Huthrong Brigarde who are allegedly involved in timber logging in the traditional land of Chaka/Kanem, a Zeliangrong village under Senapati District in Manipur.
The ZB (AMN) and AZSU (AMN) also demanded the transfer of the commander, ranks and files of the brigade involved in the racket and immediate revocation of the “Bond of Agreement” signed by Chaka and Kanem villages “under duress” on April 18 last.
In the memorandum, ZB (AMN) and AZSU (AMN) stated that Razaima (Maram) village under Senapati District is under the traditional land of Chaka/Kanem, a Zeliangrong village. Pointing to a land dispute in the last few years, the apex bodies revealed that subsequent to the dispute, the NSCN (IM) Kilo Affairs ordered a total ban on logging in the area on February 19, 2016.
However, in spite of the ban order, the “Commander of Huthrong Brigade and some of its cadres started illegal logging with vested interests engaging machineries like earthmovers into the forest destroying the ecology and environment of the dense virgin forests,” informed the organizations.
When villagers of Chaka and Kanem villages protested, they were reportedly summoned to their camp on April 18 last and made to sign a statement called ‘Bond of Agreement’ under duress, the memorandum disclosed, an action which they found “highly objectionable and uncalled for.”
In the “pretext of solving the land dispute” of Chaka/Kanem and Razaimai, the NSCN (IM) cadres are involved in illegal logging operations, “in full view of the innocent villagers armed with sophisticated weapons which is unbecoming of the national workers,” stated the Zeliangrong apex organizations to the Collective Leadership.
In this light, the organizations made three demands: to immediately stop illegal logging in Chaka/Kanem Zeliangrong areas; to immediately transfer the officers and cadres involved from Huthrong Brigade and withdraw all machinery sent by ‘top ranking’ NSCN (IM) functionaries, and to immediately revoke the forced ‘Bond Signed Agreement’.
