Dimapur, July 8 (MExN): Implying its rights over State Capital Kohima as an area exclusive under the traditional and historical hold of the Angamis, the Angami Public Organization (APO) has asserted that while different tribes and settlers have converged into the capital “it does not change the fact that this land, be it forest or unoccupied or occupied, still remains an Angami country”.
“It is by coincidence of history that the erstwhile Angami country has been chosen to be the capital of the state. As a result it has attracted all other tribes to come and establish their homes, villages and towns within the Angami country. However, it does not change the fact that this land, be it forest or unoccupied or occupied, still remains an Angami country” the APO asserted in a statement issued by Mhiesizokho Zinyu, president and TL Angami, Vice-President.
The APO to this effect, reasserting its rights over the traditional and historical boundaries of the “Angami country”, has notified to all concern, including the Government of Nagaland that no recognition of village or allotment be made in the Angami areas without the approval of the APO; that illegally-obtained lands, in any way would face penalization, it warned.
“The Angami Public Organization do not object to any settlers coming from any parts of the state to settle peacefully in the Angami Country, but would not allow any tribe or community to alienate the traditional and historical rights of the Angami people by use of force, manipulation or sheer number of settlers” the APO cautioned.
The APO informed that in the cases of those who have already settled through manipulation, fraud or false documents to obtain such (land) recognition, settlement etc in the “Angami country”, would be subjected to review. If any manipulation is detected, necessary action would be taken according to the laws of the land.
The Angami Public Organization reminded that every Naga tribe has its own traditional and historical boundary which, according to the apex Angami civil body, has been in existence from time immemorial and such (the lands) are inalienable and cannot be changed regardless of the existing tribe in occupation of them.
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