Most of the Nagas including intelligentsias without knowing head and tail about the “Intanki Reserved Forest” thought that it was donated by the Zeliangs with the believe that there is no land without ownership. It is true that there is no land within the Naga inhabited areas which has now ownership, but if we are to admit facts, the status of this “Intanki Forest” is different and it was never a part of any tribe’s traditional land nor occupied by any Naga tribe since its transfer from Assam. It may be noted that this so called “Intanki” does not belong to any Naga tribe for the fact that the said Forest was very much part of Assam state’s domain and control since time immemorial. Even after the Nagaland statehood, there is no record or proof that this forest was dominated by the Zeliangs/Zeliangrong or bay any Naga tribe.
The only basis of the Zeliang’s claim to this forest is said to be for the given name “Intanki” which is said to be their language. But in reality, the original name of this forest was given by the Britishers after the name of one British expeditioner by the name “Tanky” who went into this forest and did not return, so they named it as “Intanky. But later on Zeliangs interpreted In-Tanky as Intanki which is quite familiar to their language. Besides that, the Zeliangs also took advantage of Intanky Forest being an adjoining area to their boundary claim this forest as theirs, otherwise there is no other substantial proof and evidence to the claim. The Zeliangs or for that matter any Naga tribes might be jealous of Sumis for having established so many villages in and around Dimapur district, but because of such envies, the truth should not be distorted.
It is also to be noted that at no point of time Western sumis had claim this forest belongs to them nor disputed with the state government’s declaration as Reserved Forest. But Western Sumis’ resentment and objection to the NSCN(IM) in particular and the state government is because of the bias attitude. We the Nagas talk about factional feuds and seriously taking about unity of all the Nagas, but because of the presence of tribalism, nepotism and favouritism in our society, no matter how much we talk about unity, it is not achieved as desired by the people. We (the Nagas) also profess ourselves to be the believer of true God through Jesus the saviour of mankinds, but the isms in us is anti-thesis to the doctrine of Jesus Christ who taught mankind not to be jealous of others. On Sumi’s having established so many villages in the plain sectors, every concern Nagas must understand that those villages are still known as dispute area and Sumis are struggling to make it official.
Therefore, instead to be jealous of Sumis, every Naga tribes must appreciate and support the Sumis struggling for the success. Once again, the ongoing impasse over the so called “Intanki” is because of false witnesses, favouristism, nepotism and blatant support of unfounded documents without substantial proof and evidence. Know that, Sumis have been telling the truth by saying that this “Intanki” belongs to the state, but unfortunately the state government led “Beisumpuikam village” encroach the forest area on the pretext of land exchange. Since its first eviction of Inavi village by the NSCN(IM) Western Sumi Hoo have been writing time and again that that Hoho will let Inavi villagers vacate the said place if “Beisumpuikam” and some NSCN(IM) individuals who are also occupying the same areas are evicted.
But the NSCN(IM) in particular and Tenyimi tribes in general without taking the sumis’ assurance into consideration, simply pointing fingers at the sumis are nothing but prejudice. Had the so called Beisumpuikam village the first encroacher been evicted, Inavi village would not have been established. The state government’s intentions are seeming to let Beisumpuikam village remain and other occupants shall be evicted is not justifiable. If the state government can not apply the same yardstick to all the occupants of the same area, any unwanted situation arises out of this crisis should be held responsible by the government.
The Naga Hoho which is the highest (apex) body of the Naga tribes are also shouting blindly without paying visit the spot as to whether Beisumpuikam have been established the village within the government’s demarcated spot. We have no objection to Naga Hoho and civil societies’ support to state government for the preservation of the common properties intact. But the Hohos and civil societies should not blindly shout by hearsay or without having studied the details of the facts.
It may be mentioned here that the so called “Beisumpuikam” village which is said to have been recognized by the government should be found at “MisaDisa Nalla” according to the government’s recognition order, but this so called Beisumpuikam village which is said to have been exchanged still stands in the same spot as “old Beisumpuikam. It is therefore brought to the knowledge of all the tribe Hohos and the civil to understand that the talk of this imbroglio is not that simple as everybody claims to be knowing about.
It may be also mentioned that the Hohos or civil societies should not extend its blind support to any group of people or the state government. Once again, we want to make it clear to one and all that we shall not be obstacle to the eviction of Inavi village provided Beisumpuikam and all those illegal occupants are evicted, but as long as Beisumpuikam remains we shall not vacate the place, rather we shall fight to the last man for the justice.
Honito Shohe GB
Hevito Sumi GB,
Inavi village
On behalf of displaced Sumis
