Referring to the article “Naga Hoho opposes Transfer of Land Ownership to Non-Nagas “appeared on 10th June 2016 in local papers, I would like to express my views on the applicability of the term. To my understanding, the term Indigenous Inhabitant of Nagaland is supposed to be citizens who possess Indigenous Certificates from office of the Deputy Commissioner of any district of Nagaland. If the Hoho is to strictly oppose acquiring of land by a non-Naga, it should also cover the Nagas from Manipur, Assam or Arunachal who are purchasing land mostly in Dimapur district.
Many non-Indigenous Naga villages and colonies have been established in plain areas of Nagaland who definitely do not hold any legal documents to claim as indigenous inhabitants of Nagaland. Restriction of acquiring land should not be only to the Plain people but the fatality should include the Nagas who hails from other neighboring states of Manipur, Assam and Arunachal as well.
A Non-Naga can be a Naga from other states living in Nagaland. Can a Naga of neighboring State be exempted because he is a Naga by blood? Or is there any relaxation for those Nagas who are from other states are Nagas by blood? If not, the law of the land should be at par with other Non-Nagas as per legality of the term till such time we come together as a Naga in one State.
The Naga Hoho may examine the Act and come up proper guidelines. It is not that we hate our Naga brothers who hail from other states but till the Act is relaxed, the rule should be applicable to the defaulters irrespective of blood or caste or creed. Clear cut directives should be make known to all the concerned to be aware of the consequences issued by the Hoho.
Vikosüto Khale, Chümoukedima
