Dimapur, June 26 (MExN): Ao and Phom civil society today sent a clear message to the Assam government that encroachment into the Nagas’ land would not be tolerated. Rather, the two communities whose lands are being encroached by Assam at the border, have made clear that the Ao and Phom communities would defend and protect their lands at all cost.
Peeved over the alleged continued encroachment of Naga lands by Assam along the Nagaland-Assam border, the Ao Naga civil apex Ao Senden and Phom community’s Phom Peoples Council met in Tuli June 25. The two communities have decided to jointly stand and protect their lands. Particular reference of the areas encroached by Assam was made to Yonglok and Ladaigarh under Longleng district and Anaki ‘C’ under Mokokchung district of Nagaland.
A copy of the decision taken at the Tuli meeting was received here today. The two communities resolved to stand and fight together to defend and protect their lands at all cost. “The land our forefathers have possessed and inherited since time immemorial can not be taken away by any individual or forces adjoining Assam,” the joint resolution stated. It has become imperative to defend and protect the land for the Naga tribes in concern and for posterity as well, they stated.
The decision stated that the people of Assam have blatantly and illegally occupied the two communities’ lands but for the sake of peace, the intrusion was tolerated with humility. But “a time has come where we can no longer tolerate such humiliation any more but to stand up in defense of our rights” the joint resolution stated.
Making an affirmation to stand united with the Naga brethren to protecting and defending its lands, the two apexes also appealed to all other Naga tribal hohos to step forward for the common cause.
During the proceedings of the meeting, Nagaland Home minister Imkong L Imchen said that the Nagas are a simple people and have been adhering to the agreements made with Assam. But Assam on its part, has never respected the agreements; in fact, Assam has been resorting to frequent disturbances along the border areas, he said.
He also emphasized on the need of physical occupation of lands in order to defend it and also stop encroachment by Assam. He gave a clarion call to all Naga tribes, including those not having boundaries with Assam, to rise to the occasion and extend support.
He said the meeting was not called to declare “war” against Assam for the encroachment but to show that the Nagas’ patience has run out and Assam should know about it. Imkong further revealed that the state government has decided to deploy Village Guards in all the Assam-Nagaland bordering villages to prevent further encroachment.
Also, the Angh (chief) of Wanching village said Nagas love their land but are not willing to make sacrifices. He challenged the Nagas to rise to the occasion and protect their lands. He also urged the state government of Nagaland to step forward in helping the people of the three said areas. Earlier, the presidents of the Ao Senden and the Phom Peoples Council said encroachment by Assam along the boundary areas is not a new issue. In fact, it is spread from Mon district all the way down to Peren district.
(With inputs from Newmai News Network)
