Newmai News Network
Dimapur: The Naga Hoho asserted today that it “strongly” opposed the recent passage of the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill 2023 by the Parliament. The Naga body said this “regressive legislation threatens” to infringe upon the constitutional protections guaranteed to Nagaland under Article 371 (A) and poses a dire threat to the rights and heritage of the Scheduled Tribes (ST).
The Naga Hoho also said that Article 371 (A) of the Indian Constitution acknowledges the distinct cultural identity and historical legacy of Nagaland, safeguarding its autonomy and traditional practices. Additionally, relevant acts and regulations exist to protect the rights and well-being of the Scheduled Tribes across the country, it added.
The Naga Hoho then said, “However, the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill 2023 has set off alarm bells across our tribal communities”. It also said that under the guise of protection, this bill expands the state’s reach into the heart of the traditional way of life. “It opens doors to excessive government control over the forests and lands, raising concerns that these precious resources may fall prey to the interests of private capitalists, exploiting and extracting the natural riches in the name of development”. The Naga Hoho further said that it “firmly believes” that the government’s claim of protecting forests through such measures is a smokescreen for allowing commercial interests to prevail over the well[1]being and rights of the people. It also stated that any policy that disregards such concerns and aspirations in the name of development is an affront to the principles of justice and equity.
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The Naga body then said this legislation reflects a disregard for the sanctity of the tribal practices and an erosion of autonomy. The Naga Hoho then said it “is deeply concerned” about the potential fallout from this bill, “which stands in stark contrast to the age-old community initiatives aimed at conserving the forests”. The Naga body added that it is crucial for the government to recognize that tribal communities, particularly the Nagas, have been the custodians of forests through community-led initiatives deeply rooted in the culture. The Naga Hoho also said these practices must be respected and nurtured, rather than being undermined by the ill-conceived legislation.
It then said, “Furthermore, we denounce the government’s ulterior motives in potentially converting the region into a “security zone” under the pretext of national security”. Such a move, while purportedly for security reasons, runs the risk of side-lining the economic prosperity and focuses solely on a security-centric approach, the Naga Hoho alleged. The economic and developmental aspirations of the region must not be overshadowed by security concerns, it further asserted.
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The Naga Hoho then “calls upon” the state government to safeguard the constitutional rights and the rich heritage of the Nagas. “We demand that the state legislates to ensure that this harmful Amendment does not find a foothold in the state”.
The Naga Hoho reiterated its commitment to preserving the Naga way of life and ensuring that the rights and aspirations of the Naga people are respected.