Peren, February 20 (MExN): The Zeliang Students’ Union Nagaland (ZLSU) has categorically asserted its firm and uncompromising stand in defending the legal and indigenous entitlement of the Zeliang tribe within the territorial jurisdiction of Nagaland.
In a statement, the Union maintained that the 1963 cut-off year for issuance of Indigenous Inhabitant Certificates is a non-negotiable benchmark and said any deviation, dilution or manipulation of this established norm would be firmly opposed.
Acting strictly within the framework of the Constitution of India, particularly under Article 19(1)(e) read with Article 19(5), ZLSU affirmed its right to defend its people through lawful, democratic and constitutional means.
The Union stated that it would not tolerate any action that undermines or encroaches upon the legitimate rights of the Zeliang people, asserting that safeguarding these rights is both a constitutional and moral duty.
It cautioned all concerned authorities and Village Councils to discharge their responsibilities with utmost sincerity and vigilance, warning that any negligence or complicity in compromising indigenous rights would not be viewed lightly.
ZLSU called upon every Zeliang citizen to remain united, alert and resolute in protecting their collective identity, heritage and constitutional safeguards.
The Union further stated that individuals who have migrated from outside the district or the state and are residing, whether temporarily or permanently, in Peren district must not attempt to intrude upon or undermine the rights of the indigenous Zeliang people.
It urged all non-indigenous residents to respect and honour the indigenous communities whose land they inhabit, and to uphold peace and unity grounded in justice and mutual respect.
The rights of the indigenous people of the Zeliang tribe of Nagaland are non-negotiable and must be respected, protected and upheld, the statement said.
Expressing deep concern and strong disapproval over certain elements who, despite having been accommodated through the generosity and goodwill of the Zeliang people, were allegedly attempting to compromise the rights, dignity and collective interests of the tribe, the Union warned that any attempt to destabilise unity, undermine tribal institutions or incite division would not be tolerated.
ZLSU said it would respond firmly and decisively against such anti-social elements, asserting that the dignity, unity and rights of the Zeliang people are paramount and would be defended without hesitation.
The Union further stated that the Notification No. AR-16/7/94 dated February 2, 2016, issued by the Government of Nagaland prescribing the modalities for issuance of Certificate of Indigenous Inhabitant of Nagaland, must be strictly adhered to.
It said the Union would initiate action against erring government officials found to have issued such certificates to non-indigenous persons, terming it a clear violation of the notification that attracts disciplinary action for non-compliance of government orders and negligence of duty.
ZLSU also warned that any non-indigenous individual using unfair means to obtain the certificate, as well as Village Council Chairmen issuing No Objection Certificates (NOC) or authorisation to non-indigenous persons, would be strictly dealt with by the Union.
