Public Statement
14 December 2022
As a forum that believes in all Nagas across political and artificial boundaries uniting behind the Naga people’s continuing struggle for human and indigenous rights, the Global Naga Forum is deeply troubled by the worsening of the land dispute in the Kezoltsa area. We fervently appeal for wisdom and patience in finding an amicable settlement of the in-house disagreement.
GNF understands that the dispute was to be settled according to Naga tradition and customary law, whereby due process was to be exercised and adjudicated by the Tinyimi Public Organization (TPO). This was the procedure agreed to by both the Southern Angami Public Organization (SAPO) and the Mao Council — until a third party (State government on the Mao Manipur side) came into the picture and the dispute took a retaliatory turn.
The Global Naga Forum condemns interference in the Naga people’s exercise of indigenous rights to our lands and cultures, especially interference by state actors aimed at causing further divisions among the Nagas who live arbitrarily separated in several states in two countries. Because we are talking about legitimate indigenous rights guaranteed by the Indian constitution and supported by the United Nations and international conventions, we expect Government of India and state governments to uphold them, not trash them.
GNF appeals for understanding and restraint on the part of Nagas everywhere for the sake of peace and unity among our people. GNF strongly believe there is no dearth of leaders and enough of wisdom to resolve the land dispute within the Tenyimi family. Let us do so especially during this season of traditional Naga community festivities and of Christmas.
Kuknalim!
Media Cell
Global Naga Forum (GNF)