Mao Council-SAPO conflict: Many express concern

EMN Dimapur, June 27 Nagaland Peace Centre, Kohima has expressed concern over land dispute between Southern Angami and Mao community. The Peace Centre said, the land in dispute collectively belongs to these two tribes from time immemorial and they live in harmony as good neighbors and share the natural resources like water, flora and fauna etc. and they do not quarrel. A statement issued by NPC executive director Lhusi Haralu and chairman N.Theyo reminded the words of God (in Lev. 25: 17 and 23) and said, “Do not take advantage of each other, but fear your God. I am the LORD your God” and “The land must not be sold permanently, because the land is mine and you are but aliens and my tenants”. NPC hoped that both Mao tribe and Southern Angami have good leaders who can find out the right way for solution at the earliest without resorting to violence. “Since the land in dispute collectively belongs to the villagers of both the tribes, Government forces like Rifle, Police should not come to the site to aggravate the situation.” Meanwhile, the Nagaland Peace Centre, Kohima also expressed shock and concern about the bomb explosion on the VIP road inside a mini bus near MARCOFED Gas Agency, High School road, Kohima that created terror against peace-loving and innocent people. The NPC said,such ‘meaningless’ and ‘senseless’ activities through destructive materials brought from foreign country to be used in Nagaland to destroy property and to create fear psychosis in the minds of the people deserved to be condemned. “Whenever we travel by this road we use to notice many off road/stationary vehicles, building materials like iron rods, stones, wood, bamboo etc. and rough workshops on both sides of this VIP road. This is causing fear and danger to public and government officers who are traveling to attend public offices like Nagaland Legislative Assembly, 4th NAP Thizama, N.P.S.C., proposed High Court, Secretariat and Directorate etc. The condition of the VIP road is also deteriorated, side drains are blocked with garbage and rain water is not freely moving in this rainy season since wild plants grow covering the drain. PWD unskilled labourers are to be used for clearing the drainage and authority should pay attention in such a case.” Naga Mothers’ Association Expressing deep anguish and concern on the prevailing situation arising out of the land dispute resulting to perpetual conflict, the Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA) appealed to TPO to take up the issue. At the same time, NMA also appealed to both SAPO and Mao Council to let the matter be settled through TPO in the true spirit of Naga traditions so as to bring back peace and tranquility amongst the two communities for peaceful co-existence. NMA appealed to the Mao Council to show sincerity and withdraw the memorandum submitted to Manipur government and pave way for dialogue. It also appealed to SAPO and SAYO to withdraw the eviction notice served on 5th June and also to give free passage for public movement and avoid undue harassment as it has a far reaching effect on the lives of women and children and also to open all closure of institutions, saying students career should not be affected. “We call on both the communities to refrain from taking up any violent and forceful actions so that escalation and tension do not occur but to take urgent steps in the positive direction to meliorate the situation.” Angami Baptist Church Council The Angami Baptist Church Council (ABCC) reiterated its appeal to SAPO made earlier in their meeting on June 16 to refrain from further violence. “The issue between SAPO and Mao Council is understandably complex already but it will only further complicate the matter once violence takes the greater of it. This is the time in which both sides should give mature thinking with complete honesty and openness to address the issue instead of resorting to provocation and violence to vent out one’s anger.” Expressing pain at the recent vandalizing of shops belonging to Mao community, ABCC appealed to SAPO and SAYO not to repeat. It also hoped that Mao Council will refrain from any reprisal. Despite unfortunate incidents happened, ABCC continued to hope and pray that something good would emerge from the present imbroglio. The ABCC also appealed to all the churches to continue praying for an understanding between the two parties and that God will grant wisdom to the leaders to bring about an amicable solution soon. MWAD, MSUD Mao Welfare Association, Delhi (MWAD) and Mao Students’ Union, Delhi (MSUD) expressed anguish by series of developments arising out of the dispute between the Mao Council and Southern Angami Public Organization (SAPO) over Koziiri and Dziiko land.