The pressing issue of the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act, 2023 was deliberated and discussed on Monday, the first day of the second session of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA). The discussion was designated under “Matters of Urgent Public Importance”.

Engaging in the deliberation of the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act, K. G. Kenye, Nagaland Minister of Power and Parliamentary Affairs, advocated for the exemption of the Act in the context of Nagaland and urged the House to unite in passing a resolution unanimously. Kenye also emphasized that the primary purpose of the Act is the preservation of forests and that it holds particular significance for the welfare of tribal communities and those residing along international borders. Kenye further pointed out that Article 371(A) serves as a protective measure for the Naga community.

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The Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act, 2023 would jeopardize and undermine the landowners of the Nagas though protected by Article 371 (A), stated MLA Dr Neisato Mero. “After passing the Act, it would be a threat to the Nagas as they depend mostly on forest products such as flora and fauna for livelihood. If FCA is enacted, it may affect the economy of certain percentage of people,” added Dr Mero, agreeing on the passing of a resolution by NLA for the exemption of the state from the Act.

Temjen Imna Along, Minister Higher Education and Tourism, who participated in the Authority debate sought for exemption of the State from the Act by passing a resolution in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly.

Meanwhile MLA, Achumbemo Kikon said that “the Act would not only affect our land and its resources, but also the villages bordering the international boundaries.”

Mhathung Yanthan, Advisor, Department of Agriculture reminded about the importance of Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning (CAMPA), wherein, there is a provision for compensation on the properties damaged or destroyed such as land, forest and its resources.

MLA Dr Sukhato debated that the Act should be applied only to Government reserved forest, wildlife sanctuaries, and National Parks, which covers around 5% of the state’s geographical area. “The forest owned by private individuals and communities measuring approximately 95% should not come under the purview of the Act,” asserted the MLA.

MLA Kuzholuzo Nienu, meanwhile stressed on the importance of discussion on the issue of FCA for the protection of social, culture and traditions, identity, natural resources of future generation. “It is a direct threat to our history and this Act instead of preserving the forest, it will become more vulnerable to further damages,” said Nienu appealing all the members of NLA to act on it and pass a resolution in support for exemption of FCA.

Leader of the House and Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, in his concluding remarks, said that the Nagaland Legislative Assembly will pass a resolution on the matter as discussed and suggested by the members and Civil Society Organisations in the consultative meeting. “The land and its resources belong to the people in the case of Nagaland,” said Rio, who however, viewed that the State Government as well as the people of Nagaland should cooperate with the central government if the acquisition of land is for development or security related matters.

Rio also stressed on the importance and necessity to have proper legislation on Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning as it provides compensation to property loss or damage while initiating development.

MLA Nyamnyei Konyak, opined that the Act should be exempted for the state of Nagaland as the State is being protected by 371 (A) in the constitution of India, He also reiterated that a resolution be passed by the NLA in the form of a written document for posterity.

Minister G. Kaito Aye and MLA, Jwenga Seb also participated in the discussion and extended their support for the exemption of the Forest Conservation Act, 2023 in the state of Nagaland.