NPO objects
Source: The Sangai Express
Senapati, September 01 2023:
While welcoming the Government's initiative to shelter the IDPs, the Naga Peoples' Organisation (NPO), Senapati has opposed any plans to set up pre-fabricated houses in Naga ancestral lands in Senapati district.
A press release issued by the publicity wing of NPO has stated that any rehabilitation effort by the State Government should not be a reason for another conflict and dispute amongst different communities in the State.
Appreciating the Government's efforts to alleviate the suffering and plight of the distressed people and bring back normalcy in the State, NPO asserted that land and people are inseparable to the indigenous people of the State.
The Nagas have been living in their ancestral land for ages and the Nagas cannot afford to part away with any part of the Nagas' ancestral land.
Any effort to forcefully occupy Nagas' land shall be effectively and strongly opposed, it said.
Thus NPO has appealed to the State Government to reconsider any plan to effect temporary or permanent resettlement of IDPs in Senapati district.
In the interest of the State, it suggested that resettlement should be carried out at the original displaced site.
It recounted that the NPO and its constituent Tribe Hohos have time and again reaffirmed the standing resolution of NPO to not permit any new settlement to mushroom in the entirety of Naga ancestral lands in the district.
Urging everyone to live together as good neighbours while respecting the land ownership of every community, NPO cautioned that forceful intrusion into Naga ancestral lands will not be tolerated.