Dimapur, December 27 (MExN): The Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA) has expressed concern over the ongoing ban by the Southern Angami Youth Organisation on the Mao people traversing the National Highway.
“We were hopeful that the verdict by the Tenyimi People’s Organisation (TPO) Board of Arbitrators (BoA) would resolve the land dispute issue and enable the blockade to be lifted. However, with the inability of the Southern Angami Public Organisation (SAPO) to accept the decision for reasons cited, the unfortunate harassment of Mao travellers coming home continues,” it lamented in a press statement issued through its Media Cell on December 24.
While land ownership is an emotive issue which can be resolved only by the presence of elders from the respective communities with knowledge of traditional boundaries, the NMA noted that “We have our own traditional system of procedures in claiming ownership through the solemn Oath taking ritual which has always been the last resort for truth to be told.”
As such, it appealed to the SAPO to lift the ban in the true spirit of being family and resolve differences between themselves, “greatly respecting Elders who are still alive with age old knowledge of lands and boundaries.”
Further, it also urged to the Southern Angami Women Organisation leaders to “intervene as mothers for peace and a storehouse of wisdom and sagacity for our children.”
