Dimapur, January 9 (MExN): The Chakhroma GBs Union (CGBU) has condemned the act of Assam Police and Assam Forest department in demolishing the camp set up by the Nagaland Government at Dillai Reserve Forest on December 26, 2019.
In a delayed press statement received here, CGBU President Rokovitso Kuotsu and Secretary Thepfükuo Nagi said the action of the “Assam government and its agencies acting on its behalf without ascertaining the historical facts is highly uncalled for and cannot be condoned in whatsoever manner.”
The CGBU, “as custodian of our customary rights and boundaries,” while aspiring for peaceful co-existence as good neighbours, appealed to the Assam Government to study the history “before taking any hasty actions.”
The release further cited Sir Alexander Mackenzie’s book ‘The North East Frontier of India’, (page no.106) where he wrote of “an event wherein ER Grange(Sub Assistant Commissioner,Nagaon) and two Gaon Buras or chiefs (Lhouzirü Thevo and Yaselie Mera) of Samoogoodting (present Chümoukedima) entered into written engagements (Political Proceedings, 15th June,1840, Nos. 98-99) to maintain friendly relations and to settle in the plains.”
The record further revealed that “Lands east of Mohung Dijooa (presently called Manja tin ali, Karbi Anglong) were promised to them.”
Further the Hydari Agreement signed in June 1947, stated in 6th Paragraph that “the present administration division should be modified so as (1) to bring back into the Naga hills district all the forest transferred to Sibsagar and Nowgong District in the Past.”
Maintaining that the people of Chakhroma had always maintained and defended “our brotherhood and good relationship with our neighbours,” the CGBU said that the Angami Nagas had never waged war against the Mikhir/Karbi because there was a “solemn pledge between us.”
The CGBU called it “unfortunate” to see the Assam Government establishing villages and encroaching upon their land.
“Hence any decision taken regarding the reserved lands without the consent of the owners cannot be tolerated.”
The CGBU while wishing to maintain good neighbourly relationship, “seriously view the action of the Assam government as highly provocative.” As such the “Assam government is advised to study the history before indulging in such act of creating enmity between our people,” it added.
