DIMAPUR, JUNE 9 (MExN): The Naga Hoho has expressed concern that non-Nagas are acquiring land ownership in Nagaland through various means particularly through financial institutions.
“It is seen that indigenous Naga bank loan defaulters landed properties are being transferred to non–Nagas either through auction or otherwise...this is blatant violation of Article 371 (A) of the Constitution including the Nagaland Government Land and Revenue Regulation (Amendment) Act 1978, Section 2 (2),” a press statement from Naga Hoho vice president HK Zhimoni stated on Thursday.
“Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any law, usage, contract or agreement, no person (other than the Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland) shall acquire or posses by transfer, exchange, lease, agreement of settlement of any land,” the Hoho while opposing the act maintained.
It has therefore cautioned all national banks, financial institutions, private lenders and commoners not to indulge in selling and auction of land to non-Nagas in the State of Nagaland, which it feared, will have fatal ramification for the Nagas.
On the other hand, the Hoho sought to explain that this does not mean it was protecting the defaulters in various financial institutions but is being “constrained to issue this statement following the decision of the Executive council in order to safeguard the rights of the Nagas.”
The Hoho also said it will not be responsible for any forthcoming trouble in near future for “those non Nagas who have already acquired land in Nagaland after December 1, 1963 onward which is in violation of customary and statutory provisions.”
It also appealed to the Nagaland Legislative Assembly/State Government to ensure and exercise their powers based on Article 371 (A) concerning land with prudence and inform to all land registering authorities to strictly act according to the land Rules and Acts.
