Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio. (Photo Courtesy: @neiphiu / Twitter)
Joint meeting held with TPO, APO, SAPO, SAYO over land issues
Kohima, January 8 (MExN): Nagaland Chief Minister (CM) Neiphiu Rio on Friday stated that various agencies in the State dealing with fire related incidents should work out a proper plan to handle wild forest fires and that such plans should include incorporation of both traditional and modern methods.
In a joint meeting held on January 8 with the representatives from Tenyimi Peoples’ Organization (TPO), Angami Public Organisation (APO), Southern Angami Public Organisation (SAPO) and Southern Angami Youth Organisation (SAYO), the CM deliberated on matters relating to the land issues and measures to control the wild fires that have devastated the area in and around Dzükou Valley and Kezoltsa forest area.
Besides the CM, Zhale Neikha, Advisor (Youth Resources and Sports), Medo Yhokha, Advisor (Higher & Technical and Election), Chief Secretary, DGP, Home Commissioner and other senior officers in the State Government were also present in the meeting.
According to a DIPR report, the house was briefed on the current situation regarding the forest fires; and the efforts made for containing and dousing the fires by various State and Central agencies along with SAYO volunteers and active support from SAPO.
The TPO gave a brief report of the history of the problems in these areas and mentioned that traditionally these areas belong to the Tenyimia group of people who were separated by the State boundaries of Nagaland and Manipur.
The TPO mentioned that efforts are on to resolve the land disputes in the best interest of everyone through arbitration and the final judgment is in an advanced stage, the DIPR report added.
The Organization also mentioned that the earlier undertakings among the various groups in the disputed area indicate that all the stakeholders are against destruction of forest-flora and fauna, collection of forest produce, hunting and construction of roads and they are in favor of maintaining traditional boundaries and other rights associated with it.
In this regard, the TPO requested the Government of Nagaland to consider taking appropriate measures only after the Organization delivers its final judgment in the disputed area.
This was supported by the SAPO who also felt that while the Governments of Nagaland and Manipur may continue with their normal correspondences, it may be more advisable to consider carrying out activities in the disputed areas after the judgment of the TPO.
The matter regarding having a suitable water body close to the Dzükou Valley for aiding fire fighting efforts was also discussed and the CM opined that departments concerned should start looking into this matter seriously and come up with a proper plan in this direction.
According to a release by the Press and Media Cell of the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), the CM also stressed on good neighborly relation between the State of Nagaland and Manipur.
Stating that it is of ‘paramount importance’ for overall development, the CM advised TPO and SAPO to make an all out effort to arrive at an amicable settlement of the disputed area.
