Rongmei Bodies Urge GPRN to Intervene in Zeilad Wildlife Sanctuary Exploration

Ukhrul, Mar 28: Several Rongmei Naga organizations have written to the Ato Kilonser, NSCN/GPRN, Hebron, seeking intervention in the ongoing tussles between the public and agencies regarding an exploration project of the Zeilad Wild Life Sanctuary Development. The representation was submitted through the Office of the CAO, Zeilad Region, NSCN/GPRN, Tamenglong.

The letter of the Rongmei bodies, including RNCM, RNSOM, RNLPM, RNCM, VACC, RNYOM, CSAT, and ZWSAVC, was in pursuance to the earlier representation submitted to the NSCN/GPRN regarding the NOC issued in favor of one Nehemiah Panmei and Authorization letter issued to Lungchaibi Lungchaibi Gonmei, Kilonser, GPRN, to monitor the same by the office of the Deputy Ato Kilonser, NSCN/GPRN.

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Reminding the NSCN of impending doom, the deprivation of their legitimate rights fundamentally guaranteed under Article 371 C of the Indian Constitution, and the deliberate attempt of the Indian Government to exploit the rich reserve of our natural resources without protocols, the signatories demanded the declaration of the No Objection Certificate null and void within a week.

The bodies stated that the ongoing standoff between the agencies/groups favouring the project and the public resisting the projects had become a serious concern that may have serious repercussions. They also expressed regret that the GPRN, despite being the People’s Government, has not prevailed upon the ongoing tussles in the Rongmei region as was much anticipated.

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The organizations have stated that the community will firmly oppose any activities related to the Zeilad Wildlife, D2, D3, and seismic zones until they are adequately informed through seminars, consultations, public hearings, and analyses involving field experts from their community, and which should be mandatory for the implementation of such projects. This approach will empower residents to make informed decisions while considering their legal rights as stakeholders, ensuring that the future benefits them as rightful owners of the land and its resources.

“The Rongmei Naga, in consultation with the People’s Govt. GPRN will decide its fate. We have the right to determine our destiny, and your esteemed office is, therefore, beseeched to intervene in the matter and see to it that justice is done,” the document read.

The bodies urged the NSCN, which bears all obligation as the people’s government to protect the territorial integrity of the Naga as a nation, to intervene in the matter.

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