Eric Miachieo
Kisama | October 8
Naga leaders cutting across party affiliations today called for a change in the mindset of the Naga people to come out of our tribal cocoons and pave the way for development to take place along with the fast-changing and rapidly-advancing world.
Participating in the state-level consultative meet on the issues of ownership of land and its resources vis-à-vis the rights of the government for public use and also municipal election and women reservation, leaders including Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and former Governor of Maharashtra, Dr. S.C Jamir, retired judge of the Supreme Court, Justice H.K Sema, etc., asserted that some serious introspection is needed with the view to change our mindset which they felt, is preventing us from moving at the right speed and in the right direction.
An issue that requires a re-look is our mindset on ownership of land and its resources, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said in his keynote address, pointing out that whereas the land that we possess will not give us maximum benefit unless a large chunk of it is developed for public use or development of infrastructure, there is increasing reluctance among our people to part with their land when required for public purposes.
He cited the most recent examples problems faced in the acquisition of land for expansion and modernization of Dimapur Airport, four-laning of NH-39 from Dimapur to Kohima, construction of new railway line from Dimapur to Kohima, widening of NH-39 from Kohima to Mokokchung, etc. He also lamented that the existing government roads are being encroached.
Referring to the tendency among landowners to demand “unrealistic and exorbitant prices” that have often resulted in projects being derailed, he stressed on the need to find a solution to this problem at the earliest. He opined that public interest should always take precedence over private interest, and accordingly, the state government, which represents the collective interest and will of the people, should have the full authority to acquire private lands for public purposes on payment of due compensation in accordance with the laws passed by the state legislature. He appealed to all to give this issue a serious thought and to come up with practical solutions that will balance the interests of both the parties.
On the issue of use of land and its resources such as minerals, he lamented that despite being endowed with enormous mineral wealth, most of the mineral-bearing areas remain underdeveloped as we are unable to exploit and develop these minerals to our advantage. Also asserting that the financial position of the state is another aspect to be considered, he said increased economic turnover through downstream activities would not only lead to prosperity for the landowners but will also have a cascading effect on the entire economy of the state including increased revenue even without having to impose any new taxes.
Also speaking on the occasion, former Governor of Maharashtra, Dr. S.C Jamir appealed to the people of Nagaland to come out of their tribal cocoons and compete with the rest of the country. “We should be open to development, any development is for the people”, he said while noting that landowners tend to create obstacles by making unreasonable demands for compensation and even encroaching on public property. “Are we not disciplined people? Our lands are secure because of the state government. It is the only authority to regulate the land”, the veteran politician said adding, “Let us preserve our national and state highways”. Dwelling on Article 371(A) of the Constitution, he stated that the article was necessitated due to the peculiar components of Naga tradition and way of life.
Justice H.K Sema, who also dwelt on Article 371(A), also made a call for exposure, societal change and change in mindset among the Nagas. He also suggested drafting of a legislation in the spirit of Article 371(A) while taking into consideration the interests of the landowners.
Others who spoke today included Nagaland State Women Commission Chairperson Sano Vamuzo, Ministers Dr. Chumben Murry, T.R Zeliang, M.C Konyak. Speaker Kiyaneilie Peseyie chaired the meeting.
