Dimapur, Dec. 27 (EMN): Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA) has expressed concern over the ongoing ban by the Southern Angami Youth Organisation (SAYO) on the Maos traversing the National Highway falling under Southern Angami jurisdiction.
“We were hopeful that the verdict by the Tenyimi People’s Organisation (TPO) Board of Arbitrators (BoA) would resolve the land dispute issue and enable the blockade to be lifted. However, with the inability of the Southern Angami Public Organisation (SAPO) to accept the decision for reasons cited, the unfortunate harassment of Mao travelers coming home continues,” the association said in a press release.
NMA stated that it was well aware that land ownership is an emotive issue, which can be resolved only by the presence of elders from the respective communities with knowledge of traditional boundaries.
“We have our own traditional system of procedures in claiming ownership through the solemn oath taking ritual, which has always been the last resort for truth to be told,” NMA stated.
It appealed to SAPO to lift the ban in the true spirit of being family and resolve differences between themselves, greatly respecting elders who are still alive with age-old knowledge of lands and boundaries.
Further, NMA urged the Southern Angami Women Organisation (SAWO) leaders to intervene “as mothers for peace and a storehouse of wisdom and sagacity for our children.”
