Yanthungo Patton, Deputy Chief Minister, Minister in charge Home and Border Affairs on February 27 assured of the State Government’s fullest support for the protection of the traditional land of our people, and for the amicable resolution of the dispute concerning our traditional lands by our tribal bodies.t
Responding to the prolonged contention of Kezoltsa raised by MLA Kevipodi Sophie, Patton the parts of Dzukou Valley and the adjoining Kezoltsa virgin forest areas on the South and Western parts of Dzukou has been a matter of dispute and competing claims between the Southern Angami Villages of Nagaland under the banner of Southern Angami Public Organization (SAPO), and the neighbouring Mao Villages of Manipur under the banner of Mao Union over the issue of ancestral landownership for many years now. The matter is further complicated by the political boundary of Nagaland-Manipur which cuts across from a stream between Mao and Khuzama villages through the Southern part of Dzukou Valley and joins Tepuiki (Barak River) and down to Halflong (Assam) on the West.
“As far as land ownership status between the various neighbouring Naga villages are concerned, it is the traditional boundary, which existed for several generations, and stands above political boundaries which have been laid down without any consideration of traditional land boundaries. It is hence understandable and correct also, if the matter of claims/counter-claims over the area of Kezoltsa/Dzukou is looked into for resolution by means of customary practices and evidences without letting political boundaries influence the same,” suggested Patton.
The Minister also acknowledged the efforts of Tenyimi Public Organization (TPO) as a mediator and for taking up the matter with the Manipur Government. He highlighted that the State Government has also been taking up with the Manipur Government to take steps for ceasing all developmental activities and withdraw the Manipur security forces stationed at the disputed site in the interest of peace and to give the TPO the chance to resolve the issue. “We have been suggesting that since the dispute is amongst Naga villages, the best approach would be for the villages to decide as per the initiative undertaken by the TPO and that it was not advisable on the part of anyone else to interfere in an internal matter pertaining to Naga traditional land holding rights,” stated Patton.
Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play
“The main contention of our people is that the efforts taken for resolution by the Tenyimi Public Organization (TPO) and others has been complicated owing to the imposition of the 144 CrPc by District Administration, Senapati, and the stationing of Manipur Police Personnel at the disputed site/area, which has hindered the proper assessment of the disputed area to facilitate the resolution by the TPO and APO,” added Patton.
In this regard, Patton also acknowledged the Mao Council’s realization on the seriousness of the issue which made an appeal to the the Manipur Security forces/ security apparatus stationed in the disputed area following which positive steps has been taken by the District Administration Senapati, when it rescinded its Prohibitory Order, which was issued some years back for the disputed areas to enable smooth conduct of assessment by the disputing parties.
Welcoming the withdrawal of the prohibitory order, Patton urged all the Civil Society Organizations concerned and those from Manipur, with the TPO, to take further steps and measures and hold discussions for amicably resolving the matter.
“It is the desire of everyone to see that the entire area which is rich in biodiversity, endowed with great beauty, remains unspoilt, and unexploited. We need to preserve and nurture the great treasure that we have received from our forefathers as our traditional lands,” stated Patton appealing for the fullest cooperation from all concerned and to strive for a harmonious settlement.
