Like most seasoned political leaders, Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio made a nuanced approach while responding to media persons in Kohima on the contentious Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act 2023. He is reported to have said that the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act 2023 is not a threat to Naga people. Apparently, he premised his opinion on the fact that land belongs to the people in Nagaland with 95% of the state’s forest cover belonging to individuals or communities. He also held that Article 371A gives special protection to Nagas on matters relating to land and its resources. Interestingly, while stating that the contentious Act does not pose a threat to the state, he is reported to have said that further study on its implication would be done.
Given the contentious nature of the Act, there are some important takeaways from the chief minister’s comments. Firstly, he seems to be in a rather tight position and cannot speak outright against the current dispensation at the Centre. However, he is also deftly conveying that provisions under Article 371A will protect the state. The third takeaway is that by saying that further study on the implications of the Act would be done, he is inviting public opinion on the matter without saying it.
With the Ao Senden making its position clear on the implementation of the Act, it is likely that other apex tribal bodies will also air their opinion – which in all likelihood will be against the Act. There is actually no particular need to do any further study on the implications of the Act as far as Naga people are concerned. However, the state government might want to remain in the good books of the Central government. Therefore, all concerned citizens and responsible apex tribal bodies must exert pressure on the state government to pass an Assembly resolution against the Act, which if implemented will prove to be disastrous. If the Act is not a threat to Naga people, why would the CM say that Article 371A will protect us?