JAC-PLAL refutes
Source: The Sangai Express
Senapati, November 24 2016:
Strongly refuting the statement made by Kangpokpi AC MLA Nemcha Kipgen over Poudel Basti in Irang Part-I issue, Joint Action Committee for Protection of Liangmei Ancestral Land (JAC- PLAL) said that the local MLA offered the tribal land to absorb the Nepali voters.
A statement signed by JAC-PLAL Convener, T Disimang said that the MLA's statement on her visit to Poudel Basti showed her ignorance and ill intention.
It further alleged that the MLA instigated hatred between the Liangmai Nagas and Nepali during such aggrieved situation.
"The tribal land is not something to be compromised," it said.
The MLA stated that since Nepalese pay grazing tax to the Government the land they settled belongs to them, likewise the tribal land also belongs to the Government as they pay house tax.
Such ignorant statement is the reason why the tribal rights are at stake, it said.
The 'grazing tax' imposed on the Nepalese indicates that they are not the land owners but settled in the area with grazing permit to rare their cattle.
The 'grazing permit' was restricted to few Nepalese by the British colonials but hundreds of Nepalese have migrated into the area illegally, it alleged.
The JAC further asserted that MLA Nemcha Kipgen is attempting to please Nepali voters for the upcoming State Assembly election in exchange of the tribal rights.
"If she fails to withdraw her statement immediately, series of agitation shall be announced on IT road by the JAC", it said.