Our correspondent
Wokha, Oct. 31 (EMN): The Pangti Village Council led by its chairman, and the Amur Falcon Roosting Area Union (Afrau) on Thursday conducted a silent procession at Chubi Bridge at Doyang in Wokha district to show their resentment for alleged diversion of funds in the name of Amur Falcon roosting areas.
They say that the government authorities had never been ready to bring even ‘basic amenities to the place’ where many foreigners visit during the month of October to November.
For instance, Pangti village’s chairman Chenithung Shitio lamented that despite initiatives by the central government in declaring India to be free from open defecation, tourists visiting the roosting areas are ‘left no option but to practice open defecation at the roosting area.’ He assured safety for the migratory birds but warned that if at all the government continues to neglect the area from providing basic amenities, and diverts funds, the community will return to ‘old practices.’
The Nagas are by nature hunters and being protected by Article 371 (A) no law can stop them from practicing it as the land belongs to the people, he said.
Further, he alleged that the authorities were moving to a ‘different location with the tag’ to Nrung Longidang. All efforts were made by the people of Pangti to protect the bird and the name which has been earned is being misused for political purposes, he said.
‘Since Pangti village was known, “Elilumi” (Lotha for falcon) used to come in large numbers and stayed at a place called “Makvu” where we were hunting. But now seven years have passed, we stopped hunting for we believe that this can help bring something good for the community.’
The president of the Afrau N Thungbemo Shitiri also urged the authorities to stop the ‘step motherly treatment.’ He alleged that funds are being diverted in the name of “Amur falcon roosting area.”
