Circle Board states stand
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 29 2014: The Maram Khullen Circle Board has said that every right thinking individual is observing the alleged fabricated statements and twist-and-turn propaganda of Makhan Union.

The Board has been patiently co-operating the views and instructions of the District Administration and NPO since day one in regard to the settlement of Naojai village, said a press release issued by Kangba Solomon of Maram Khullen Circle Board Publicity Wing.

The press statement alleged that few individuals who were instigated by Makhan Union had violated the norms of humanity by attacking the innocent villagers on two occasions in nexus with anti-social elements who were armed with sophisticated guns.

They burnt down houses of Maram Khullen injuring many people and damaging property, the press release said.

The pine trees in and around Naojai village were planted by the Marams for their future habitation and those students and youths who took part in the plantation are around today to testify their works, it added.

The Board said, "Nevertheless, pine trees which are today few years old are never related with the ancestral land, property and territory.

For tribals and particularly the Nagas, we hold to the inevitable fact that land and heritage are passed down from ancestors and generation after generation.

The Maram Khullen Circle Board is never aware of any Makhan individuals who tilt, cultivate and harvest at Naojai, it added.

Question of Naojai villagers encroaching on others' land never arises, it said and added that the Circle Board does not require comments and wishes from Naojai villagers in their affairs.

Further, the Board opined that Makhan Union need not be concerned and held responsible for the Maram Naojai villagers who are rightfully settling in the village, the press release said.

The press statement added, "To spell out our rights, from now on, we shall be compelled to 'act' if situation arises" .

The Maram Khullen Circle Board further said that no cooked up story can alter the historical facts and adopting such tactics in the utopian idea to claim as rightful owners would be a waste of time.

The Board knows how to handle and decide on ancestral heritage and inherent territory from the forefathers.

In the meantime, the Board is giving space and time to civil organisations to resolve the issue peacefully, it added.

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