Global Naga Forum appeals for amicable settlement of Kezoltsa area land dispute

Dimapur, Dec. 15 (EMN): Expressing concern for the “worsening” land dispute in the Kezoltsa area, Global Naga Forum (GNF) on Thursday, appealed for wisdom and patience in finding an amicable settlement of the in-house disagreement.

GNF stated that the dispute was to be settled according to Naga tradition and customary law, whereby due process was to be exercised and adjudicated by the Tinyimi Public Organisation (TPO).

“This was the procedure agreed to by both the Southern Angami Public Organisation (SAPO) and the Mao Council — until a third party (State government on the Mao Manipur side) came into the picture and the dispute took a retaliatory turn,” read the statement.

GNF condemned the interference in the “Naga people’s exercise of indigenous rights to our lands and cultures, especially interference by state actors aimed at causing further divisions among the Nagas who live arbitrarily separated in several states in two countries.

“ Because we are talking about legitimate indigenous rights guaranteed by the Indian constitution and supported by the United Nations and international conventions, we expect the Government of India and state governments to uphold them, not trash them,” it said.

GNF further appealed for understanding and restraint on the part of Nagas everywhere for the “sake of peace and unity among our people.”

“GNF strongly believes there is no dearth of leaders and enough of wisdom to resolve the land dispute within the Tenyimi family. Let us do so especially during this season of traditional Naga community festivities and of Christmas,” it added.