Official status of the systematic annihilation of the major portion of Rangapahar Reserved Forest (RRF) by Angami, Tenyimias, small pockets by Sumis and Sangtams and the present encroachment at Intangki National Park(INP) by the Tenyimia tribal units with similar modus operandi.
Lest we forget, the writer reminds the Nagas and invite debate on the issue of systematic De forestation based on official records obtained through RTI Act.
As per the cabinet Memorandum, submitted by Shri Anil Kumar, Secretary, Forest department.
The first report of encroachment in Rangapahar reserved Forest who Established an illegal Village , was the so called Urra Village during the early part of 1978 and at present the status of Rangapahar Reserved Forest which initially had a declared Area of 8809 hectare or 21769.40 acre.( Out of which 1981 hectare was earmarked for sugar mill,132 hectare for Central Jail and 470 hectares De Reserved for Wildlife Sanctuary), leaving a net forest of 6226 hectare, as per official records , the present position of the RRF indicating the encroached Area is as shown below:
Encroached Area
1. Kiyevi = 625.40 ha
2. Vidima = 844.00 ha
3. Diezephe = 895.20 ha
4. Razaphe = 854.40 ha
5. Bade A,B,C = 488.20 ha
6. Urra = 668.80 ha
7. Thilixu = 300.00 ha
8. Sangtam A&B = 250.00 ha
9. Sovima = 100.00 ha
10. New Chumukedima = 190.00 ha (very recent encroachment)
Total =5216.00 ha , Balance area 1010 ha. The matter was placed before the cabinet for decision.
Presently official records reveal what the Cabinet had decided.
The following villages are established in Rangapahar as detailed under:
Name of village Date/year of estt. Govt.recognition vide order No.
1. Diezephe 1978 GAB-13/17/83(Vol-IV dated 3/9/91
2. Murise 29/4/78 GAB-9/5/91 dated 5/2/92
3. Tsithrongse 25/1/86 GAB-9/5/91 dated 5/2/92
4. Kiyeto 15/12/79 GAB-9/5/91 dated 5/2/92
5. Razaphe 3/79 GAB-13/17/83(Vol-IV dated 24/6/91
6. Vidima 1978 GAB-13/17/83(Vol-IV dated 24/6/91
7. Urra 1978 GAB-13/17/83(Vol-IV dated 24/6/91
8. Bade 12/11/79 GAB-13/17/83(Vol-IV dated 24/6/91
9. Khriezephe 1986 GAB-13/17/83(Vol-IV dated 24/6/91
10. New chumukedima 1986 Not yet recognized.
11. Thilixu 1959 High Court Judgement Order dt.9/7/79
12. Thilixu 1972 Not yet recognized.
13. Zhayiezo Angami 7/4/88 Permit issued by ADC Dimapur vide
Order No.REV-VLS-1/70 dt.7/4/88 but now suspended.
14. Thilixu-(B) 2002 Not yet recognized.
15. Thahekhu 2004 Not yet recognized.
16. Toulazouma 1991-92 GAB-I/COM/189/2009 dt.3/2/12
17. Selouphe 1995 GAB-I/COM/189/2009 dt.3/2/12
The aggregate of encroached Area in terms of Percentage is calculated as
1. Angamis , Tenyimia = 77.46%
2. Sema = 17.74%
3. Sangtam = 4.79%
The above Facts are purely based on official documents.
The encroachers have now found greener pasture in the form of Intangki National Park and have already illegally Established Beisumpuikam New Village, which was however, fortunately De Recognized by the Hon,ble Ghy High Court, but surprisingly still availing all govt. Funds/facilities under direct patronage of the State Govt. Inavi/Hevuto village vacated the INP as per undertaking filed before the Supreme Court with directions that the State Govt. shall relocate/rehabilitate the villagers if representation is filed. The Inavi/Naga United Village voluntarily vacated the INP on condition that the state Government do justice and evict the Beisumpuikam New Village without favor. It is speculated that the decision of the present Government on this issue may very well decide to a large extent the outcome of the forthcoming elections. (if the much anticipated alternative arrangement does not materialize).
On related matter, Vide no. LR/6-139/LIT/2012. The Chief Secretary to the State Govt of Nagaland Shri Lalthara had admitted that the State Govt. does not own any Land , since in Nagaland land belongs to the People as per traditional land ownership and land holding patterns, excepting, a few Area of Reserved Forest Created during the British Regime inherited by the State govt. The Chief Secretary had spelt out in no uncertain terms that it is not possible to De Reserve any portion of the State-owned Reserved Forest including Intangki Reserved Forest. This statement has opened the pandora’s box. It is contradictory to the statement of the Chief secretary , that, Toulazouma Village and Selhouphe Village have been recognized Vide,Order Dated 3rd feb.2012.Vide No.GAB-1/COM/189/2009, which is within the Rangapahar Reserved Forest.
The irony behind this debacle is that the Govt. on the one hand boldly declares and advocates protection of the forest land, however, on the other hand without observing mandatory provisions, with impunity continues to recognize villages by patronizing certain villages within the forest Land it was bound to protect which is made evident from the above official records.
Timely realization dawned upon this writer as to who the actual Naga Forest land encroachers are and who amongst the encroachers benefited the most at the expense of others.
Lily Merry, Advocate
C/O Dimapur Bar Association,
Dimapur , Nagaland
