Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, JULY 18
THE opposition to the state government’s desire to create the Nagaland Special Development Zone is gathering momentum. Today, the Central Nagaland Tribal Council (CNTC) resolved to oppose the proposed Nagaland Special Development Zone (NSDZ) in its existing form. The meeting also resolved to question the State Government for infringing upon the provision of Article 371A of the constitution regarding the ownership and transfer of land and its resources within the state.
These resolutions were adopted at a consultative meeting held today at the Naga Shopping Arcade, Dimapur, that deliberated on the on the issue of NSDZ.
The objections of the CNTC mainly rested on the existing proposal that wishes to relax the ILP/Bengal Eastern Frontal Regulation Act of 1873, for permanent settlement of non-Nagas and other investors as per the assembly resolution dated 24-3-2014 on NSDZ. This they stated goes against the obligations under the constitutional provision under Article 371 (A).
Further, the CNTC was also of the opinion that the assembly resolution making provision for transfer of land and allowing settlement of non-Nagas and other investors will disturb the land tenure system that is largely tribal in nature since time immemorial.
The council was also of the view the state government did not fulfill its duty to obtain free, prior and informed consent from the land owners after the various objection raised by civil societies and frontal organizations.
CNTC during the meeting also expressed that the council’s objective is not to stand against the decision of the state government, instead its aims is also to bring developmental activities without infringing into Article 371A. But this should not be at the extent of departing with the indigenous Naga land by selling it off to corporate for the sake of bringing development.
CNTC during the meeting urged upon the state government to uphold the principle and provision enunciated under Article 371A that pertains to the ownership of land and transfer of land and has also appealed to the state government to initiate the process of consultation, public debate, benefit sharing, and dispute resolution measures, before any final decision.
The CNTC during the meeting also extended its constant support to Nagaland Tribes Council and various civil societies which have voiced their apprehensions on the state government’s current stand on the NSDZ.
