Ura Mail, Wednesday, March 13, 1985
There can be no dispute on the claims of the Nagas over Dzükou valley. The question on territorial jurisdiction comes only in respect of which Nagas and which villages.
On the map, it may be observed that Dzükou begins at the foot of Mount Japfü which is undeniably within the Southern Angami area. From the foothills of Japfü, it extends right into what Is currently north-western Manipur, an area which would fall under the jurisdiction of one or more Naga tribe. The north-western part of Dzükou, that is, the area immediately to the west and south-west of Japfü, is claimed by the Western Angamis, Khonoma village in particular, a claim which is disputed by the villagers of Poilwa of the Zeliang Naga tribe.
Claims and disputes on territorial rights over Dzükou, however, is of far less consequence than the immediate need to conserve it. The various villages which had laid territorial claims over this beautiful valley have proved themselves to be most irresponsible. Only two years ago, a very large area of Dzükou valley was burnt – the fire presumably started by some picnickers who wanted to flush out some games. Up till now, there has not been any report on the damages caused by that fire to the flora and fauna of ’zükou.
Up until a few years ago, Dzūkou was known to be one of the most beautiful spots in the world unmarred by the ravages of man and his destructive nature. Dzūkou, located high on the mountain valleys, was shaped by nature for her own glory, and tended by the fairies as a garden of the gods. Owing to its elevation and extremely cold climate, no village was ever established within its confines.
Years ago, when the Naga Underground was active, several hundred Naga UGs lived in Dzükou. Though they lived off the land, they took care to see that the flora and fauna of the valley were not damaged. They discouraged hunters, and fined villages whenever their restrictions were disobeyed. In this manner, under the voluntary caretakership of men like Gen. Mowu, the flora of Dzükou remained undisturbed while its fauna, including a number of elephants, increased. But the moment the writ of the Undergrounds ceased, hunters began to invade the valley. The Government, too, decided that the comforts of men are more important than preserving even the most beautiful natural environment. And so, a road starting from the
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Southern Angami area was opened into Dzükou and pipelines were laid to tap its crystal clear waters. This inevitably resulted in more people invading this incomparable valley.
The Government of Nagaland now has plans to construct tourist lodges at Dzükou. Once this is done, then it will mean good-bye to Dzükou. The land and its territory will remain with the people or the State. But Dzükou as it was created by the Creator to be a place of beauty will begin to yield to the scars of civilisation.
But it is still not too late yet to take measures to conserve Dzükou as a natural resort. The villagers must be made to realize that conservation of nature is as important as living itself. And the Government must take note that opening Dzükou valley to all and sundry will only lead to destruction of its flora and total annihilation of its fauna. Construction of tourist lodges must be delayed until the people learn the value of conservation of nature.
Nagaland Tribune is publishing a curated list of articles and editorials of Chalie Kevichüsa. A tribute to the writer that he was, we hope that readers will get a glimpse of his works, reflect on its depth and hopefully keep his legacy alive.
Read more: https://nagalandtribune.in/remembering-naga-journalist-chalie-kevichusa/
Read more: https://nagalandtribune.in/remembering-chalie-kevichusa-enforcement-of-inner-line-regulation/
Read more: https://nagalandtribune.in/remembering-chalie-kevichusa-govt-teachers-apathy/
