Zeliang Students’ Union Nagaland asserts its stand to defend the indigenous rights of the Zeliang tribe, warning against any infringement.
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DIMAPUR — The Zeliang Students’ Union Nagaland (ZLSU) has asserted its firm and uncompromising stand in defending the legal and indigenous entitlement of the Zeliang tribe within the territorial jurisdiction of Nagaland.
According to a press release, the union stated that the 1963 cut-off year for the issuance of Indigenous Inhabitant Certificates is a non-negotiable benchmark. It stated that any deviation, dilution, or manipulation of this established norm will be firmly opposed.
Acting strictly within the framework of the Constitution of India, particularly under Article 19(1) read with Article 19(5), the ZLSU affirmed its right to defend its people through lawful, democratic, and constitutional means. The union added that it will not tolerate any action that undermines or encroaches upon the legitimate rights of the Zeliang people, adding that safeguarding these rights is a constitutional and moral duty.
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The union cautioned all concerned authorities and village councils to discharge their responsibilities with utmost sincerity and vigilance. It warned that any negligence or complicity in compromising indigenous rights will not be viewed lightly.
The ZLSU called upon every Zeliang citizen to remain united, alert, and resolute in protecting their collective identity, heritage, and constitutional safeguards. It firmly stated that individuals who have migrated from outside the district or state and are residing, temporarily or permanently, in the Peren district must not attempt to intrude upon or undermine the rights of the indigenous Zeliang people.
Calling upon all non-indigenous residents to respect and honour the indigenous communities whose land they inhabit, the union urged them to uphold peace and unity grounded in justice and mutual respect. It reiterated that the rights of the indigenous people of the Zeliang tribe of Nagaland are non-negotiable and must be respected, protected, and upheld.
Further, the ZLSU expressed “deep concern and strong disapproval over certain elements who, despite having been accommodated through the generosity and goodwill of the Zeliang people, are attempting to compromise the rights, dignity, and collective interests of the Zeliang tribe”.
The union categorically warned that any attempt to destabilise unity, undermine tribal institutions, or incite division will not be tolerated. It stated that it will respond firmly and decisively against such anti-social elements, as the dignity, unity, and rights of the Zeliang people are paramount and will be defended without hesitation.
The union further asserted that Notification No. AR-16/7/94 dated February 2, 2016, issued by the Government of Nagaland prescribing the modalities for the issuance of certificates of indigenous inhabitants of Nagaland, should be strictly adhered to.
It stated that the union shall initiate action against erring government officials found to have issued such certificates to non-indigenous persons, which is a clear violation of the said notification and attracts disciplinary action for non-compliance with government orders and negligence of duty.
The union warned that any non-indigenous individual using unfair means to obtain the certificate, and village council chairmen issuing no-objection certificates (NOC) or authorisation to non-indigenous persons, shall be strictly dealt with by the union.