Dimapur, April 20 (MExN): Expressing alarm at expansionist trends in the nature as being witnessed today in Ntangki National Park, the All Zeliangrong Students’ Union has made clear that whatever is necessary to be done, will be done to protect the land of the Zeliangrongs.
Reminding that the fact of ownership of Ntangki and Zeliangrong lands is already established, the AZSU reiterated that the Zeliangrong community led by the Zeliangrong Baudi (Hoho) and students’ organizations has always made it explicit about the ownerships.
“Regarding Ntangki, we wait upon the response of the respective governments to carry out their duty and moral obligation to protect it. However, on ground reality, we are yet to see any visible changes to impress or convince us. On failure of the concerned authorities, we shall be bound to do what is necessary to protect our land” a release from AZSU president Mirhu and general secretary Lungchui.
Responding to the allegations of the WSSU about the Zeliangrongs’ ownership over the land, the AZSU reminded that sufficient proof and evidence is in possession with the traditional boundaries, rivers, mountains etc within the land. “But it would be foolish to show proof to a forcible intruder whose motives are obvious. When a thief enters your house with the intention to steal, do you show him proof of ownership? We are also amazed how encroachers dare question proof from the landowner” the AZSU wondered.
The release reminded the WSSU that as much as the intention of the intruders to establish themselves in the Zeliangrong lands, even stating that no land was created for any particular tribe is provocative. “At least in Nagaland, we are sure that no man’s land does not exist. You also stated that you are inheriting your right. Is this not conflicting when you say that no land was created for any particular tribe or the land is no man’s land, how can you then inherit your right?” the AZSU posed to WSSU. Reminding that Nagaland is home to too many unions which has only resulted in many negative trends, the AZSU stated that the formation of “union of Ntangki island” and later “farmers club” is not acceptable.
The AZSU also strongly reminded that it was not questioning the Sumi community’s patriotism but only certain elements in the “national government” who are blatantly involved and playing a partisan role. “All Nagas are well aware of the patriotic role of the Sumis” the AZSU acknowledged. Also, in regard to the WSSU claim of establishing “160 Sumi villages” in Dimapur area, the AZSU plainly made clear that there it does not desire any more establishment of the already numerous Sumi villages around and also in Zeliangrong areas.
The Zeliangrong students further expressed regret that Zeliangrong of Assam and Manipur was mentioned. They have lived in one contiguous area since time immemorial and the formation of the state came only later. “It is not right to treat them as aliens and foreigners” the AZSU advised.
“Selfish motives and greed seems to be the paramount driving force even to proclaiming someone’s land as no man’s land. The Zeliangrong people don’t have any options but to resist” it informed and opined to all Naga tribal Hohos that a united and concerted effort is imperative to respect each others’ rights and traditional boundaries which would to a great extent preserve tribal harmony and prevent undesirable conflicts.
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