Dimapur, March 24 (EMN): The Nagaland Timber Traders’ Union (NTTU) has questioned the state government’s decision to impose a complete ban on sale of timber outside the state other than finished products, claiming it be an “infringement of Articles 19 (1) and 21 as well as a negation of ‘Right to livelihood’ as espoused by the Supreme Court.”
It came close on the heels of Nagaland Tree Planters’ Association issuing a plea to the state government to put the timber export ban on hold.
According to a statement issued on Monday, the state cabinet had banned direct sale of timber in any other form such as “small size takta, batam etc.” and timber originating from Nagaland sold outside the state would be only in the form of finished products like furniture.
“This is in direct contravention to Article 371 (A) as well as Naga customary way of life. It is pertinent to note that in Nagaland, except for some few reserved forests, the government has no control or jurisdiction over forest land and it is rather the community and villages which possess ownership of forest land and natural resources,” read the statement.
NTTU stated that Naga tree farmers and timber traders have been depending on sale of timber, cut down either from community forests or individual plantations, for their livelihood and sustenance. Timber farmers were also selling timber produced and planted in their own land with great difficulty as many don’t have any other option to utilise their land but to engage in tree plantation, it informed.
“The sudden decision to ban sale of timber in any other form except finished products without providing any viable or alternative source of income generation, will have severe economic impact on hundreds of tree farmers/timber traders and their families,” it read.
It further stated that the timber traders and farmers had adhered to the guidelines and norms laid down by the ministry and undertaken tree plantation drives in timber districts keeping in view the need to maintain ecological balance. It hoped that they would be allowed to continue their trade and open new avenues for welfare of timber traders and tree farmers.
