The NTC feels it necessary to correct the distortions made by one Kilonser from NSCN(IM) recently whose exertions are found to be complete contrary to the Naga traditions and customs. The Nagas are neither nomads nor landless. Where ever the Nagas are, each individual and community owns lands and the individual or community have the sole ownership over lands in question and those lands belonging to the owners are private properties free from any encumbrances. Therefore, the owner has the supreme authority to take independent possession over the land and take decision for its utility as per our time tested tradition and custom.
Whereas, the Kilonser in question claims ‘that any Naga by blood has the right to speak and act/decide what is best for Nagas. Any Naga by blood, whether from Nagaland, Manipur, Arunachal, Assam, Myanmar or even from America, China or even further from another planet has the right to say and decide what is best for the Nagas’. This perception is wrong and the exertion is irresponsible and cannot be accepted. For instance, Mr. A has no right whatsoever to interfere in the personal and private affairs, be it properties or any other interest of Mr. B and vice-versa. Similarly, the Nagas of Nagaland are the supreme and undisputed owner of the State of Nagaland, be it land and its resources, be it its government and be it any interest concerning Nagaland. No authority from outside or any other place, how wise and strong it may be, has no legitimacy to interfere in the interest of Nagaland. Ditto, how passionate are the Nagas of Nagaland about the affairs of fellow Nagas in other States in India or elsewhere, they have no right to interfere unless so invited to do so.
Therefore, the opinion as expressed is indeed alien to our culture, foreign to the Nagas of Nagaland which cannot be accepted. Also, the nature of his assertion is more of bully than of reason and is equally a misfit to our culture.
NTC, Media Cell
Office of the Nagaland Tribes Council
