STNC backs NPO's stand on district creation
Source: Chronicle News Service / Newmai News Network

Senapati, June 12 2021: Southern Tahamzam Naga Council (STNC) said on Saturday that the "diktat" of Kuki Inpi Kangpokpi to the government regarding transfer of land records to respective districts is unfortunate and unacceptable.

STNC, the apex body of 120-odd Naga villages under Sadar Hills Autonomous District Council, placed on record that any matter related to land and people within "our jurisdiction" should be dealt through the consent of the indigenous land owners.

"It is unfortunate that the office of the deputy commissioner Kangpokpi is being manipulated by Kuki civil society organisations to their whims and fancies undermining the primary stakeholders," STNC said, adding, "By this, the creation of new district in the guise of administrative convenience stands exposed".

In tandem with NPO Senapati, STNC said it will oppose tooth and nail any attempt to infringe upon their rights and undermining their existence.

It can be mentioned that Naga People's Organisation (NPO), Senapati had on June 10 raised objections against the statement made by Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills, Kangpokpi district on June 6 demanding stopping of all land related activities from June 8 until all land records of Kangpokpi district within the jurisdiction of Sadar Hills Autonomous District Council are transferred to Kangpokpi.

NPO had asserted that it had at no point of time recognised the creation of Sadar Hills, Kangpokpi district and there is no official district demarcated boundary till date.

"NPO has no knowledge of any government order and will not accept any unilateral decision and order issued by any authority without consultation with all stakeholders," it said.

The Naga organisation had emphasised that it has been defending its land for ages and will continue to do so and appealed to the state government not to take any hasty decision in this regard.

"The Manipur state government's order No 3/1/ Misc./2008-Com(Rev) dated, 15 June, 2013 to transfer all land records to respective district is a new thing to the Organization and will oppose come what may, it warns.

Therefore, anything concerning land and its records, the indigenous land owners should be consulted with before any such activities is taken up," NPO asserted and stated that it will be wise on the part of the government to take into confidence of all the stakeholders to avoid unwanted consequences in future.

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