Rengma Hoho opposes implementation of controversial Forest conservation act in Nagaland

DIMAPUR — The Rengma Hoho has opposed the implementation of Central government’s acts, including the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act, 2023 and its original act of 1980, in Nagaland, citing the provisions given in Article 371(A) of the Indian Constitution concerning the ownership and transfer of land and its resources.

In a letter to the chief secretary of Nagaland, the Rengma Hoho said that under the constitutional provisions given to the people of the state, no “Act of Parliament applies to Nagaland unless the Nagaland State Legislative Assembly (NLA) decides through a resolution”.

In view of the contentious Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act, 2023 having received the president’s assent, the hoho sought to know if the draft bill of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, was presented in the NLA and if a resolution has been adopted for application of central acts in the state.

If a resolution hasn’t been passed on the matter, it recommended the state government to unequivocally reject the implementation of the controversial act in the state through a resolution, in accordance with the constitutional provisions.

While stating that the state government should have formulated the Nagaland Forest (Conservation) Act by upholding the Naga traditions and customary practices, the Rengma Hoho said enforcing the recently passed Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act without the consent of the NLA will amount to violation of Article 371(A).