IT News
Imphal, Oct 14:
The Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) has voiced strong objections to a “No Objection Certificate” (NOC) allegedly issued by Lt. Gen. (Retd.) V.S. Atem, Deputy Ato Kilonser of NSCN-IM, on August 24, 2024. The NOC, addressed to Mr. Nehemiah Pannmei, was reportedly granted on behalf of a group of affected landowners for the establishment of the Zeilad Wildlife Sanctuary. Furthermore, an authorization letter was reportedly issued to Mr. Lungchaibi Gonmei, Kilonser of the Zeilad Region, to manage the development of the sanctuary and oversee seismic surveys related to oil exploration in the area.
The ZUF criticized the move as an affront to the Zeliangrong people, accusing the NSCN-IM of disregarding their ancestral land ownership and historical struggles. They expressed concern that the NOC was being used as a tool to mislead the local population and deprive them of their land and resources under the guise of environmental conservation.
In a statement, ZUF condemned what they saw as undue interference in Zeliangrong land and warned that such actions could incite civil unrest within the Naga community. The organization stressed that communal land cannot be sold off by a few individuals or villages for short-term financial gain, especially in areas like Nagaland, Manipur, and Assam, where ancestral land rights are deeply rooted.
The ZUF also raised alarms over the authorization given to Mr. Gonmei for oil exploration, noting that this decision, amid recent community tensions, could further inflame the situation. The organization called for the immediate withdrawal of the NOC and authorization letter, warning of far-reaching consequences, including potential internal conflicts, if their concerns were not addressed.
The ZUF urged the government to reconsider its plans and instead engage with the local community to explore alternative solutions, such as promoting community forests and designating eco-friendly zones, which respect the rights and interests of the Zeliangrong people.
