The Dimapur Naga Students' Union has warned against proxy land registration and benami transactions, citing threats to indigenous land rights in Nagaland.
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DIMAPUR — The Dimapur Naga Students' Union (DNSU) has cautioned citizens against participating in, facilitating or endorsing proxy land registration and benami transactions.
In a press release issued on Tuesday, the union expressed concern over what it described as increasing instances of indigenous individuals allegedly lending their names for the registration and acquisition of land on behalf of non-indigenous and non-local persons.
According to the DNSU, such practices not only undermine the spirit and intent of laws protecting indigenous land but also pose a threat to the rights, security and future of the indigenous people of Nagaland.
The union alleged that certain individuals were facilitating the transfer and control of indigenous land to non-locals through proxy arrangements and benami transactions, thereby circumventing existing legal safeguards, including the provisions of the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR), 1873, and relevant land regulations of Nagaland.
It further alleged that the use of local names to conceal the actual ownership and control of land by non-indigenous persons contributes to the gradual alienation of indigenous people from their ancestral lands and compromises the rights of future generations.
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"The Union strongly cautions all citizens against participating in, facilitating, or endorsing such illegal and unethical transactions," the DNSU stated.
The union further stated that it would not remain a silent spectator while indigenous land and rights are being eroded and warned that any individual, broker, middleman or accomplice found involved in activities that threaten the security and ownership of indigenous land would be held accountable through all available legal and democratic means.
The DNSU appealed to village councils, colony authorities, Gaonburas (GBs) and all concerned stakeholders to exercise vigilance while dealing with land-related matters.
It called for proper verification of ownership claims, land transfers and applications for No Objection Certificates (NOCs), and urged that any transaction suspected to involve proxy ownership be immediately reported to the competent authorities.
The union also urged the district administration and relevant revenue authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into alleged benami land transactions and land records connected to individuals including Nirmal Jain, Girdharlal Sharma and others, and to take appropriate action against any person found violating the law.
While appreciating the public for its continued support and cooperation in safeguarding indigenous land rights, the DNSU said it was equally important for citizens and stakeholders to remain alert against attempts by vested interests to exploit the current situation for personal gain.
The union further stated that any land that rightfully belongs to the public and serves community interests should be protected from being diverted for private purposes under questionable circumstances.
Reiterating its commitment to cooperate with the district administration and law enforcement agencies in facilitating a fair, transparent and impartial investigation, the DNSU said it remained steadfast in its resolve to expose illegal activities related to proxy ownership, benami transactions and unlawful acquisition of indigenous land.