DIMAPUR — The Tzurangkong Kaketshir Mungdang
(TKM) has expressed strong opposition to a recent statement made by Nagaland
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio regarding a 50-50 natural resource royalty sharing
arrangement between Assam and Nagaland in the Tzurangkong area.
In a press release on Tuesday, the TKM asserted that the
Tzurangkong range is the ancestral land of the Tzurangkong people and the Ao
Naga community.
“It has been inhabited and protected by our forefathers for
generations, and we cannot allow any form of exploitation that disregards our
rightful ownership and traditional land rights,” the organisation asserted.
The TKM strongly opposed any exploration or extraction of
natural resources in their land, stating that it would ensure that “no external
entity or authority is allowed to exploit the resources of Tzurangkong against
the will of our people.”
“This is a very serious matter, and we urge the government
to address it with the outmost seriousness and sensitivity,” it added.
The TKM also criticised the government for allegedly making
“unilateral decisions” on land and resource matters without consulting the
rightful landowners. Such actions, the organisation argued, could “create
unnecessary tension,” particularly in a small northeastern state like Nagaland,
where border areas are already vulnerable to encroachments and disputes.
The TKM reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the land,
identity, and heritage of the Tzurangkong people and the Ao Naga community from
any form of exploitation or encroachment.
“As rightful owners, it is our duty to protect our land, and
we will not remain silent when our ancestral rights are at stake,” it added.
