Customary law to guard Ntangki: Ahthibung villages take a stand

DIMAPUR — From logging to hunting and fishing, all threats to Ntangki National Park will now face the full force of customary law, following a unanimous resolution by 37 villages in Ahthibung sub-division on October 17.

A press release on Sunday informed that a general consultative meeting of the 37 villages resolved to support the state’s Forest department in the protection of the National Park. 

The meeting, held at Ahthibung town hall, brought together gaonburas, chairmen, and representatives from the villages, including youth and women, as well as members of Kuki Inpi, Nagaland Zeliang People’s Organisation (NZPO), and Zeliang-Kuki Public Organisation (ZKPO).

The participants resolved to strictly enforce customary law on violators, imposing a total ban on timber logging, fishing, and hunting within the National Park.

They also resolved to prohibit the use of poison, inverters, and batteries in rivers under Ahthibung sub-division and mandated enforcement of village council decisions on wildlife hunting within their jurisdictions.

Read more: Bat Harvest Festival unites Bomrr clan across villages

The meeting, called by the ZKPO, was attended by the sub-divisional officer (Civil) of Ahthibung, who urged the village council representatives and community organisations to exercise the people’s rights under Article 371(A) and to prioritise conservation of land and natural resources.

NZPO President Zandi Domta urged an end to the practice of presenting bush meat to VIPs and restricted access for hunting parties in Peren district forests.

He called for greater community ownership of village lands, encouraging protection and sustainable management as a true landowner would.

Bano Haralu, Project Lead of Nagaland Rights and Communities Team at WCS–India, highlighted the critical link between biodiversity and indigenous identity.

Also read: Naga Hill Ophiolite among 7 sites added to UNESCO tentative list

She stressed that the loss of wildlife and natural resources undermines cultural traditions, habits, and community identity.

WCS–India has been working with communities around Ntangki National Park since September 2023 under the IUCN/ITHCP Phase-II project, ‘Partnering with Communities to strengthen conservation of critical tiger habitat areas in northeast India.’

Kuki Inpi General Secretary Lulun Khulhou reiterated the call for the protection of the National Park.

Participants exchanged ideas to strengthen community-led conservation initiatives and expressed support for collaboration with the Forest department.

The 37 villages represented at the meeting included Phanjang, Saijang, Bonkollong, Songngou, Besumpuipuiloa, Lilen, New Chalkot, New Soget, Bunglen, New Besumpui, L Lilen, Inbung, Old Soget, New Ngaulong, Besumpuiram, ‘B’-Lilen, Chalkot, Sailhem, New Nkio, Old Besumpui, Phaijo, Ahthibung, Sinjol, Nkio B, Nkio Lodi, Vongkithem, Sangluh, Khelma, Ikiesingram, Besumpui Zangdi, Chamcha New, Pellhang, Gopibung, Nsenlo, and Beisumlwa.