EMN
DIMAPUR, JULY 23
THE Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) has appealed to Naga civil society especially the tribal organizations to seriously deliberate on the “Nagaland special development zone” (NSDZ) proposed by the government of Nagaland, and the impact it would have on the people, their landholding rights, and land resources. The members of the Congress party’s committee on NSDZs.
While venturing onto ambitious, “tempting development or employment possibility”, the Congress stated, the Nagaland government cannot forfeit the hard-earned recognition and privileges of the people “for short term or self development with long term damaging effect.”
NDSZs are unquestionably a pre-emptive shot to disarm the constitutional protection exclusively given to the people, land and resources of the Nagas in Nagaland under Art 371(A), the NPCC stated. “The Article completely empowers the assembly over certain provision listed under Section I clause (a) sub clause (i), (ii), (iii) & (iv) against which even the Parliament cannot act unless the assembly by a resolution so decides and act contrary, as is done in the case of NSDZs,” the NPCC stated in a press release issued as a appeal to Naga civil society.
The Congress has asked the government to respond one this question: “who and when has the state government sought and received the mandate of the people to adopt such self defeating resolution.
“It appears that the voice of the people, their opinion was not taking into consideration by the state government prior to the adoption of the Resolution in the Assembly. This is where the NPCC felt the urgency to invoke the inner voice and response of the leading NGO/hoho on such a vital issue which, as it is, will have direct implication on the identity and integrity of the Naga people-in-struggle,” the NPCC stated.
The NPCC has appealed to the Naga civil organizations to a joint deliberation particularly on the points: Section (i) To review/amend the existing State laws/orders/instructions, Section (v) (b) To issue patta & (vi) special land access permit; Section (vi) Permanent settlement of non-Nagas in the NSDZs; Section (vii) Liberal entry and stay of non-Nagas in the NSDZs for purpose on investment.
The party has also informed that a decision was taken after a series of meetings on June 6 and the 26 unanimously adopted a resolution that the proposed NDSZs along the foothills of the state should be implemented strictly in accordance with the enshrined provisions of Article 371(A) and without contravening earlier resolutions/legislations passed by the State Assembly.( Refer to page 2 Views and Reviews section)
“Despite the small strength of Congress members in the assembly or the total disregard of their protest on the floor against the present structure of the resolution, Congress as a responsible opposition party will remain ever committed to and will not, under any circumstance allow any attempt to hijack the guaranteed and safeguarded rights of the Nagas in Nagaland as enshrined in Art 371(A),” the NPCC’s statement stated in affirmation.
“And towards securing this unchallengeable right the NPCC has avowed to work hand in hand with the conscientious public/organized group on the basis of mutual trust and responsibility,” it added.
THE Naga Mothers Association (NMA) has welcomed the proposed consultative meeting called by the State government with all tribal Hohos and civil societies/organisations in regard to the Nagaland Special Development Zones (NSDZs).
While expressing its appreciation to the State government for its effort to bring any form of developmental activity for the common welfare of the Naga society as a whole, the NMA fervently appealed to seriously review the State Assembly Resolution of March 24, 2014 and not to go hastily without thorough deliberations on the issue.
“Our State already being gripped with serious influx of illegal immigrants and the proposed NSDZ brings more threat to the already existing issue. We cannot, for the sake of our future generation, be a silent spectator on this and allow relaxing the Inner Line Permit,” it said in a release today.
The NMA is hopeful that the proposed consultative meeting will surely bring positive measures and also take people’s voice into confidence and bring in the much desired development in Nagaland peacefully.
