Kohima, December 4 (MExN): “What is the extent of displacement in Nagaland by development projects and what is its impact on the people deprived of their livelihood?”
In the book “The challenge of Development: Displacement in Nagaland 1947-2010” launched at St Joseph’s College, Jakhama by T. Mhabemo Yanthan, Secretary to the Government of Nagaland, the six authors, four of them teaching at this college, try to answer the question.
In sixteen states studies done on displacement by development projects 1947-2010 show that an estimated 65 million people have been deprived of their livelihood 1947-2010 in the name of national development from 40 million hectares, 40 percent of them tribal and 40 percent more from other rural poor communities. They have been further impoverished and marginalised but the benefits reach the middle and upper classes.
However, the study in Nagaland done by Bokali Chishi Mughavi, Medonuo, Pienyu, K. Alibo Achumi, Mhonthung Yantan and Thejonuo Fidelia and directed by Dr Walter Fernandes, paints a different picture. As Walter Fernandes said while introducing it, the 62,318 persons deprived of their livelihood in Nagaland by 54,672 acres used for various projects 1947-2010 have not suffered as much as their counterparts in the rest of India.
Its first reason is that land in the State, managed under the customary law, is acquired through negotiations and not by force as the rest of India. Secondly through negotiations mostly clan land is given for projects. Because of the community spirit traditionally prevailing among the Naga tribes the clan rehabilitated the land losers. However, that spirit is getting weak and land shortage is being felt so the State may be tempted to acquire land by force. Till now, except for the Doyang dam most land used is for defence and transport projects. Remaining employment producing schemes have been neglected. Since the State needs development the authors caution the State against the temptation to acquire it by force and impoverish the people as most other States have done.
The final chapter of the book presents a development paradigm that can combine economic growth, infrastructure building and people’s development. Mhonthung hoped that policy makers will read this book since it is useful for the future of Nagaland.
Dr (Fr) Sebastian Ouseparampil, Principal, St Joseph’s College, Jakhama has informed in a press release that the book is on sale in Stall 15 of the Bamboo Pavilion at the Heritage Village, Kisama.
.JPG)
