Land encroachment is more than just a legal offence—it is a moral failure, a betrayal of communal values, and a stark reflection of unchecked greed. In Nagaland, this issue has become alarmingly widespread. From public lands to private plots, illegal occupation has become so commonplace that it is no longer seen as shocking—it is, disturbingly, being normalized.
This was not always the case. Among Naga communities, the sanctity of land once held deep social and spiritual meaning. Land was a shared inheritance, passed down with responsibility. To encroach on another’s land was considered unthinkable—a serious taboo that invited both social censure and spiritual unease. That this has changed in just a few generations is a telling sign of deeper moral erosion.
Where did we go wrong? The answer, perhaps, lies in the growing absence of moral anchors in public life. Faith and ethical teachings have been pushed aside by a culture that increasingly rewards acquisition, not integrity. And yet, no religion—be it Christianity or any other—teaches one to take what is not theirs. There is no spiritual justification for grabbing government property or occupying a neighbour’s field under false claims. Such acts are not just illegal; they are fundamentally unjust.
The ongoing eviction drive at Dimapur Airport is a much-needed corrective. For too long, the state has turned a blind eye to encroachments on public property. The airport is a symbol of public infrastructure, built for collective good. Allowing it to be slowly devoured by private greed sends the wrong message to society. The government must ensure that the eviction is implemented fully, and not diluted under pressure. It is not merely about reclaiming land; it is about restoring the rule of law and respect for shared resources.
If we are to build a just and orderly society, we must first accept that land encroachment is a form of theft. It deprives the rightful owner—whether private or public—of their due, and it distorts the ethical foundation of our communities. Reclaiming land is only the beginning. What we truly need is a return to the values that once made such acts unthinkable.
Greed corrodes the soul of society. It blinds individuals to what is right, fuels injustice, and erodes the very values that hold communities together. No progress, prosperity, or position can justify taking what is not rightfully yours. In the end, land grabbed through greed is land cursed by conscience.
