SVA objects
Source: The Sangai Express

Senapati, May 04 2026: The Song Song Village Authority (SSVA) has strongly objected to the ongoing road clearance in the Kozie area, terming it "illegal and unauthorised" and in violation of established land jurisdiction and customary ownership.

In a statement, the village authority asserted that as the primary stakeholder of the land, it had already made its position clear through a press release issued on October 7, 2024, rejecting the July 12, 2024 judgement and order of the Tenyimi People's Organization Presidential Council.

The SSVA maintained that the current activities amount to a violation of customary land ownership, government recognised boundaries and traditional rights.

According to the authority, the area stretching from the Dziiko River, which demarcates the original boundary between Manipur and Nagaland to Mt Esii, the highest mountain of Manipur and extending to Koziie area, has historically remained undisputed.

It stated that the issue arose only after alleged encroachment by Viswema village in April 2000, when a rest house was constructed and claims over the area began.

The SSVA further claimed that Kozie, regarded as a pristine forest, lies approximately 2 km away from the Nagaland boundary and has traditionally been entrusted to the Mao community for sustainable use, including foraging, hunting and ritual purposes, while ensuring its preservation for future generations.

It emphasised that no party has the right to undertake development activities in the disputed area until a just settlement is reached through customary laws recognised by the people.

The authority has called upon Southern Angami Public Organizations (SAPO) to immediately halt all activities in the Koziie forest area until an honourable verdict or solution is arrived.

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