Some of those who voted YES had this to say:
• Yes, I am ready to give as before I did. I want to advice to all Ministers, MLAs, Bureaucrats and Public Leaders you should not violate what you make for better tomorrow for your people because your generation also will taste it what you did. Therefore, you should be careful in every step.
• Yes, if required.
• Yes but in one condition, that if the government is really developing for the better of our society n is 100% guaranty to help the fulfillment out our society I would donate it well...
• Development will prosper economically bringing better livelihood rather than the economic stagnation on the land.
• Yes, crazy for Nagaland.
• Yes, even without demanding any post (appointment) too, provided the government uses the land JUDICIOUSLY for developmental purposes, even though having very bitter experiences. Lets overcome evil with good for there is a season and a Sunday for everyone of us. Recently a government school new building came up next to my land. Without any information ‘they’ have just encroached nicely a portion of my land on the backside, I don’t mind because it is a centre for learning for our children. But on the front side a prominent figure was a neighbor (he already took money for his land, demanded grade IV post, all agreed) yet came and broke down the walls even though not an inch of his land (a private garage) was affected. ‘They’ meekly retracted that area and gave side (size of an approach road) to him. In lieu of that ‘they’ (school builders) encroached the backside. Is disgusting. SO whom to blame: the school board, the teachers, the village development/construction committee or the government? But who is the government when the incharge gave the wrong feedbacks? Then, all of us are aware that next of all govt quarters, private buildings (we all know the owners) zooms up like big umbrellas shielding even the sunlight and rain to fall on this quarters, how the roads were narrowed down by protective walls and just at the giant gate written ‘Beware of Dogs.’ They say they got govt pattas, landowners sale deed (this owners are never scared to swear in God’s name for money). Whom to blame? Is this development of land donated by our forefathers? This are just a few. Lots and lots of confusion are created by corruption of our people who has the power and the voice to suppress the voiceless. Just wish sometimes an earthquake comes and wipe all this corrupted and misused properties. Without practical change with a true heart, theoretical prayers of fasting, shouting and transformation may go in vain tomorrow. Let us not destroy our land.
Some of those who voted NO had this to say:
• In this state of affairs, no matter what my adverse circumstances at the moment, I would rather not let my grand-children to see my good profile on a land donor monolith as I want to keep it for posterity.
• Let us be very clear. If Article 371A is not relevant, than the Sixteen Point Agreement is not relevant either. The very existence of Article 371A itself is based on the main arguments that were made in the Sixteen Point Agreement. There is no question that Article 371A does not fulfill the desire of the Nagas, and if 371A should be withdrawn, than the Sixteen Point Agreement should also be withdrawn and Nagaland State will no longer exist.
• If we are really care and have real love concern for our land, culture and people plus still want our history to be unique in the future. We must not follow what other states are doing or accept everything that Delhi offers. We will be much better and prosperous culturally, geographically, socially, economically and politically etc without Railway line connection to the hills. Nagaland is not Switzerland and India is not the European Union. Much of our little left floras and faunas have already destroyed. We will have more tourists, researchers, historians, nature lovers. , spiritual people who want a get away from the crowded world to come and rest ,If any government that comes to power must try to built or set up heavy industries, but instead promote , cottage and rural industries . Remember: Coal mining, cement industries if continue will soon make beautiful land topography disappeared forever and ever.
• I would rather ask the State to donate to me.
• Haha...joke! the ministers will instead built their homes like palace or make their farm's.
• Over my dead body..
• So those in power and their friends and relatives have first checked out the possibilities of personal wealth gain in different fields, then they accumulated lands galore, acres and acres of them, mountains, hills in districts where they do not even reside or would not have even imagined buying and for some closer home but not their ancestral properties. Then they bring projects close to where their lands are and make sure that the land bought at a pittance is that of poor suckers who many for the first time see a few lakhs and are swayed by it not realizing that what they are being offered per square feet is not even worth a plate of rice in a highway restaurant, forget the amount our fancy higher ups will spend on a one time five star meal. Then when the actual development happens, they give the works and the jobs to their kith, kin and well wishers... and when the often shoddy works are completed, they reap in the benefits what with owning lands nearby the proposed developments .... so where is the benefit and development and progress for those owners and their progeny who were coerced into selling their lands, in the first place???? If Article 371(A) is scrapped, all hell will break loose.... we may as well say goodbye to everything we cherish or remotely say is ours... I believe a reformation in the article is needed, but a thorough understanding and study on how it affects all walks of life is necessary!
• No way... I don't want to lost my land right.
• Never because instead of using money in terms of crore during election. Never ever donate free......
• NO. Reason: Just don't want to be a Good Samaritan to the govt. Had heard enough of false promises.
• State Government shouldn't try to cut off from our resources and traditions vital to our welfare and survival. Its our Indigenous inheritance and a constitutional right.
• No, no... there may however, be unavoidable circumstances where mutual consensus for genuine need arises and when we've to do away with bits of land for development through minimal price. In other cases, to part with our lands for free is totally unfair and out of context (if not a sin for the govt!), or for that matter, the government going lion over private properties/ lands with the excuse of developments. As some shared, nothing comes for free and so, there should be concentrated negotiations on the price of land which should be in line with ample compensation. Another idea worth contemplation here is to lease out lands to the government reasonably while on the other hand, never to revoke our 'land holding system' which isn't a hurdle to development, at any time.
• No, and moreover i won't donate a inch of land for GOI.
• Govt want to buy cheap land, but in other hand govt. give contractors work on higher price, they dont complete on time but keep enhancing contract bill year after year.
• To be honest, its a big NO. I'd be even mad to think of it. Come to think of it: where will I live? Where will I grow my crops? Where will my children live? On a political context, I'd die before I give. Just because, the small plot of land that I own is inherited from my ancestors while our beloved Ministers and MLAs bought it (with what?) so it is logical enough for me to say that I won't give it for free when Our Ministers themselves won't give away what isn't theirs. There, the stone-hard truth!
• Until we see the government is corruption free. We can't trust the government with our Land. TRUST is what the government of Nagaland is lacking.
• Instead of giving our land to them, Why don't they just make proper use of the money they had stolen from the public. That will make development much faster and better! They talked of traditional land holding as a hindrance to development but looking closely at this, I'm sure they can't even bring a proper evidence to substantiate their point that land acquisition will lead to development. POOR DAN GOVT!!
• Development is essential but without adequate compensation, who would give their land for free? But exorbitant rate of compensation as demanded from some landowners is also unreasonable.
Some of those who voted OTHERS had this to say:
• Problems with the land-owners are upon themselves. If they do not agree that is their choice and fundamental right too. If the state government dwandles carrots, dry meat, zutho above the land-owner's head they may also do that if they wish..... but the state government cannot really blame the land-owners for being 'selfish'. That is bringing in emotion, personal opinions if not instigating political motives.
• Development in Nagaland? Are you out of your mind! We are still the same old head hunters.
• It depends on the purpose.
• I think we don't need to ask for that but they(Government) should be ever ready to atleast give a sum full of money. Because funds are never limited....
• Lets also ask how much govt. land has been written off for free by the govt. to vested interests...land where development the state govt. is talking about could have been done.
• I think this question may need some reflection. Say, about cultural values, the 'territorial instinct' of Nagas towards (their) land, customary laws, allotments of land from parochial times along tribal, village, clan, citizen-rights/lines. Then perhaps into why we do not trust the state government, what is dysfunctional in the state government, corruption, cultural misconception etc. Otherwise, we seem to be just scratching the surface here.
• Everybody will donate land for devp. of nagaland if govt. is honest in developing Nagaland.
• They want to take away other peoples farms and lands for development at throw away prices with no proper paper works or compensations whereas they allot government owned properties in prime locations to their own friends and family. Look at the land allotments that public servants have allotted themselves, the same people who can jolly well pay for lands are the ones who take for free the land that has been generously donated for a miniscule payment to the owners. If they want it for free why don't they start with themselves, those who own the lands and are in power. Look at the amount of lands that they have accumulated in areas where they know they are going to bring developments. Look at recent land lease of government properties that have been dispersed, did they give it to people who are poor and need it or are even struggling entrepreneurs or did they lease it for almost a century (That's almost like owning) to their own friends and family? Why would people not give lands for development if they were well compensated, but to ask it for free? It is a shame, when they know very well that for many it will be a loss of livelihood. I am a victim of this and I say no! What should be done now is instead of asking for more lands, please use already government owned land for developmental programs. Stop destroying farmland and plantations where food is grown and farmers are out of livelihoods. We need to be going back to the soil not eradicating these livelihoods. The one place where a lot of negotiation needs to be done is where they acquire roads... They should give a royalty to these people who give up their land!!! Sure it is for public convenience and future development which means welfare of the whole community, but at what cost? They lose their lands forever, their generations will not be enjoying the benefits that they may have if it still was in the family, but if a royalty or a contract or some compensation which is equitable to building a livelihood or investment for them for generations, then I bet you people will be more then happy to give for the sake of development. Maybe they should lease the land for a fixed time as well instead of asking for it or buying it.
• Yes, if full amount money is spend on development. No, if contractors , govt officials, mla and minister wants to steal money in the name of development
• Our elected leaders have no personal integrity & testimony that public can trust. A rampant corruption over the years have made it impossible to give anything to GON. Yes, I agree with that they have blackmailed her citizens not for development but personal gain. Until our leaders are willing to confront their on weakness and acknowledge their failures to make things right we will never move forward. We will always lack behind. Our people have learned to live and tolerate their nonsense. We grumble and express our frustrations but we have no clear agenda to follow-up. Nagaland need serious community organizing; engage citizens to action and call accountability and transparency. But do we want change? This will require us changing as well.
• Development is too broad a term....I guess the question needs to be more pointed...is the questioner hinting on infrastructural/industrial development...or Human development. If its the latter I guess most people wont object....But if its the former...our " great statesman" have failed miserably for the past 4 decades and I really dont see any concrete changes taking place other STUPID by political rhetoric .... and seeing more SUV"S(for our pathetic roads) and vulgar display of wealth ...
• regarding railway line, at first land owner ask around 150 per square feet, since govt said its too much and govt brought down to 60 square feet, with help of some land owners , all owners agreed with rs.60 per square feet. but again govt started blaming land owners, in order to take from dhansiripar.
• rs. 25 per square feet is for develop land from dimapur to chumu and hilly area land is below rs. 25.
• 3.44 rs. per sq ft. for lucrative pineapple fields, that was what they paid poor farmers for acquiring land for Mahila battalion at this day and age and that too plantation land that is a livelihood for many farmers!!! I refuse!!! promises of jobs and contracts are a dream.... CHEATS!!!!
• At this juncture 25 per sq. ft is quite reasonable and on too of that it will benefit lots of common people if there is a rail link between Dimapur - Zubza. Daily commodities like vegetables, building materials will be much cheaper and easily accessible... in my opinion, the land owners should give a go for this project.
• What is Development? Have we assessed that? Have the state government/politicians/bureaucrats/or even contractors discussed that with us? Extensively, without informing us of their decisions in the newspaper, or having 'closed-door meetings' (For example, oil explorations in Nagaland. 11 exploration teams have been invited without public consent or verification)? Do the state government engage the youth in talks about Development? Or even just engage them? (P.S: State government, educated unemployed youths are going over 65,000) What kind of development is good for us- and not good for us? Have we thought/talked over it extensively- all together without the politicians being our mouth-piece? When we talk about Development is the cultural heritage of the Nagas preserved? Especially in the matter of landownership and that being interpreted as part of cultural heritage? Is the Development the state government (or political party) talking about going to eradicate poverty, bring up the rural areas, bring down class difference in Naga society, employ the youth, preserve our natural environments, preserve our cultural heritage? Or, are they shouting for the sake of Development's sake......or worse, for proganda's sake? State revenue in Nagaland is only coming from the public administration service sector and we have 10% saturation point of government jobs already, with a meager following by the private sector which isn't doing well. Unemployment is rising and also poverty in lower levels is increasing. BUT, is the development the state government is talking about going to help that? If a private person is given the task to develop his own land, given infrastructure and he is able to employ people around him, bring up the revenue of the state -Will that help Development more than what the state govt is proposing? Has anyone assessed that??
• One ‘Suggestion' i can give to the Nagaland government for this land-development issue is to first and foremost discuss what kind of bloody Development they are talking about in the first place. Why were the oil exploration teams invited to Nagaland to explore OUR resources never mentioned one bit to us before we were informed in the newspaper?? Where are the benefits (and here i speak about mere royalty and not us having the authority ourselves to discuss and bargain OUR prices for OUR minerals with foreign investors who interested in our oil and minerals) going to go- half into the politicians hands and a charity donation to a church in a far flung border of the east? Politicians, state government has NO right over the royalties from the oil and mineral extractions- it should come to the people in their respective villages and land. So if the state government is going to discuss buying land from the people, land-development schemes then talk about Development to us in the first place?? Why is a railway being built from Dimapur to Zubza? How is it going to benefit THE/OUR people? Give us a detailed report. Give us a detailed report of the work that is going to be carried- where the money from the funds will be implemented down to the last paisa. How each part of the land that you buy is going to be utilized too. That is of course is you're not going to embezzle that money and make personal use of the lands you buy. Copy this, GON, WE DO NOT TRUST YOU- DON'T BLAME IT BACK TO US. These things i acutely require of the state government to provide before talking about 'land-development dilemma' and Neiphiu blaming the public or Jamir give some vague and incomplete idea about China's development (do you know what is actually going on in China- is that what you term Development??)
• Well its “Q & A” with a traditional and constitutional virtues. Yeah, but such a step will invite the idea of “Government Extortion” with this in mind it is upto the collective assessment. Should we or shouldn’t we not take part in a “demo” on this subject? Factors such as allocation of land, resolving land issues, pricing and transfer of land resource poses the challenging problems. Ultimately in the end most people will become an orphan in their own land.
• What is the development other then the obvious rail line that they plan... how will it benefit our people? What are we sending out beside the strawberries and flowers from the CM's farms in Zubza? Can the villagers in Phek for instance be allotted Refrigerated Boogies(?) for sending their produce to the rest of India, can this not be captured by other traders? Can the traders be our people? What are the ill effects on the people? Is there a mechanism set to make sure we don't have unwanted elements pouring into our lands via the rail network? What is the government telling the common layman who will give his land they will gain from having it going through the lands? What help training will they be giving to these landowners to make sure they get a steady income for generations for giving up their lands???
• When the Govt use the term development, it is "modernization" and not development is the real sense...Development connotes and denotes progressive steps that are taken to ensure equity, rights and social justice, empowerment...using the word or concept loosely tends to dilute the real issue.
• They need to understand first the difference between modernization and real beneficial development for all and particularly those that sacrifice!
• I salute the brave and the far sighted people of Khonoma for taking all step, care and concern to keep their traditional and legendary village and land green and fresh. We need to learn from them as to how and why we should love our land not with word but action . God bless my Nagaland!
