Sümi Hoho urges government to reject implementation of Forest Conservation Amendment Act in Nagaland

DIMAPUR — The Sümi Hoho has opposed the “proposed” implementation of the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act, 2023 in Nagaland, expressing apprehension over the potential ramifications it could have on “the age-old traditions, cultural practices, and sustainable livelihoods of the Sümi community”.

“The Sümi people have been stewards of the land, practising responsible resource management, including shifting cultivation, that is deeply embedded in our cultural ethos. We are wary that the provisions of the Act, which focus on stricter regulations surrounding forest access and resource utilization, may inadvertently disrupt our harmonious coexistence with nature,” read the press statement.

It stated that the Act, “if implemented without due consideration of our customary practices”, can erode the cultural fabric that has been nurtured by the Sümi people for generations.

“We extend our plea to the Nagaland State Assembly to reject the implementation of the Forest Conservation Act 2023 within the state’s jurisdiction. We earnestly request that the Assembly take into account the potential consequences of the Act on our indigenous rights, customs, and way of life. Our aim is not to undermine environmental preservation but to ensure that the pursuit of conservation aligns harmoniously with the preservation of our cultural heritage and the well-being of our people,” it said.

“We remain committed to collaborating with all stakeholders to strike a balance between environmental preservation and the preservation of our indigenous traditions,” it added.

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