Dimapur, May 22 (MExN): Naga frontline organizations are urged to wake from their slumber and intervene to prevent the Ntangki National Park dispute from spiraling out of control. Making obvious reference to the frontal organizations’ keeping mum over the land dispute, the Zeliangrong Baudi reminded the Naga Hoho, Naga Council, Naga Students’ Federation and tribal Hohos that ‘the time has come’ to make a stand.’
“The time has come for all Nagas specially the respected bodies like tribal Hohos, Naga Hoho, Naga Council, NSF as well as all right-thinking Nagas to speak the truth boldly to check this conflict from heading to an undesired irreparable situation” a statement from the Baudi appealed. The release was appended by the Baudi’s president Dennis Elung and vice president Raitu Elu. “After all whatever anyone may say, Ntangki belongs to the Zeliangrong” it added.
The Baudi expressed loathe for any confrontation with any people or community, but the “behavior” of certain sections of a community in disregarding the ownership rights of the Zeliangrong cannot be left with any other option. The Baudi reminded that one being “landless” does not entails him to a right to forcibly settle in someone’s land but if at all he is allowed to settle, there are certain norms to be adhered to. “However, no Naga tribe can convincingly say that they are landless since all Nagas have their own territories. We know that Zunheboto district belongs to the Sumi tribe. It was only through a press statement that we were made aware of the Sumi establishing 160 villages in Dimapur the Baudi stated. It however wished not to see such expansion in the land of the Zeliangrongs.
The Baudi cited the example of the co-existence of the Kuki community with the Zeliangrongs where the former acknowledges the ownership of the latter. The Baudi strongly reminded that if any dispute arises between the two there is a proper forum or a judicial court in Peren to settle the matter amicably.
The Baudi also reminded that it is the Zeliangrongs who decide who resides in its land and not any other. “Consideration for settlement is the right of the landowner” it reminded. In regarding to questions raised on the ‘patriotism’ of the Zeliangrongs, the Baudi reiterated that the Zeliangrongs have equally suffered and made sacrifices no less than any other community for the sake of Naga people. “But if our land and territories are not secure and our rights trampled upon by dominant forces then will the Nagalim dream mean anything to us” it stated.
.jpg)
