Concerned over the increasing instances of indigenous individuals allegedly lending their names for registration and acquisition of land on behalf of non-indigenous and non-local persons, the Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU) on Tuesday said such deceptive practices not only undermine the spirit and intent of the protective laws governing our land but also pose a serious threat to the rights, security, and future of the indigenous people of Nagaland.
“Land is not merely a commodity to be bought and sold. It represents our identity, history, culture, and inheritance,” the Union said and termed it “unfortunate” that for temporary financial gains, certain individuals are reportedly facilitating the transfer and control of indigenous land to non-locals through proxy arrangements and benami transactions, thereby circumventing existing legal safeguards, including the provisions of the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR), 1873, and relevant land regulations of Nagaland.
DNSU viewed such acts as a direct assault on the collective interests of the indigenous community. “The use of local names to conceal the actual ownership and control of land by non-indigenous persons contributes to the gradual alienation of indigenous people from their ancestral lands and compromises the rights of future generations,” it added.
The Union cautioned all citizens against participating in, facilitating, or endorsing such illegal and unethical transactions and said it would not remain a silent spectator while indigenous land and rights are systematically eroded.
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“Any individual, broker, middleman, or accomplice found involved in activities that threaten the security and ownership of indigenous land will be held accountable through all available legal and democratic means,” it warned.
DNSU further appealed to village councils, colony authorities, Gaonburas (GBs), and all concerned stakeholders to exercise utmost vigilance while dealing with land-related matters. It also called to ensure proper verification of ownership claims, land transfers, and applications for No Objection Certificates (NOCs) , and any transaction suspected to involve proxy ownership should be immediately reported to the competent authorities.
The Union also urged the district administration and relevant revenue authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into alleged benami land transactions and land records connected to individuals including Nirmal Jain, Girdharlal Sharma, and others and to take appropriate action against any person found violating the law.
While appreciating the public for their continued support and cooperation in safeguarding indigenous land rights, DNSU said it is equally important for citizens and stakeholders to remain alert against attempts by vested interests to exploit the current situation for personal gain.
DNSU further reiterated its commitment to fully cooperate with the district administration and law enforcement agencies in facilitating a fair, transparent, and impartial investigation.
The Union also affirmed its resolve to expose all illegal activities related to proxy ownership, benami transactions, and unlawful acquisition of indigenous land.
