Q Tuccu says Naga land rights cannot be “bartered away”
The NSCN-IM has urged Naga village chiefs and landowners not to accept land compensation for the proposed border fencing, alleging that the Government of India is attempting to entice villagers to accept the fencing.
In a notification issued on August 15, the GPRN Yaruiwo (President) Q Tuccu described the alleged move as a “cheap agenda” and urged Naga village chiefs and landowners, as custodians of customary and traditional land and other village resources, to remain vigilant.
“The village chiefs and land owners must not succumb to such derogatory approach of the government of India,” the statement said, adding that the rights of Nagas “cannot be bartered away for few dollars.”
The NSCN-IM chairman maintained that fencing through the Naga homeland would further alienate Naga communities, asserting that Nagas have historically maintained close ties with neighbouring Naga villages across the present boundary.
“Nagas are one wherever they are,” the notification said, adding that Nagas should not be treated as illegal immigrants in their own land.
The group said it did not object to fencing elsewhere to check the influx of illegal immigrants, but maintained that Naga areas should not be fenced or divided to serve the interests of others.
The NSCN/GPRN also reiterated its opposition to the scrapping of the Free Movement Regime (FMR), describing the move as “anti-Naga” and stating that restrictions on movement would undermine cultural ties and Naga brotherhood.
It said the Government of the People’s Republic of Nagalim had repeatedly made its position known that any attempt to erect fencing through the Naga homeland would be resisted.
The group further said Nagas would not be intimidated by what it described as “suppressive, oppressive and repressive” actions, and called on the present generation to stand firm in protecting the rights of future generations.
