The recent news items on Dzüko Valley and the land ownership disputes between a section of the Chakeshang’s Khezakhenu and the Poumai’s of Tungjoy areas appearing in the local daily news papers of Manipur and Nagaland are interesting reading (P.S. Memei spelling of “Dzüko”, meaning cold water).
Shri R.K. Thekho hon’ble MLA Mao Assembly Constituency as the peoples’ representative have the privilege to raise issues of the people. The land controversy the MLA had raised is in dormant state but, could be erupted sooner than later and the MLA may felt duty bound to speak out. However it is unfortunate for the public that MLA had raised the issue at the election year of Manipur Legislative Assembly. It would have been appropriate if he raised earlier when there was ample time to take up the mater with the people outside the state Govt. of Manipur and Nagaland
If one go by human history of clans, tribes or members of the same family tries to dominate the other politically, socially, economically and geographically at its most opportune time.
Political boundaries are artificial boundaries the world over and drawn for the necessity of the parties involved. The lands of either party may exists beyond the line of demarcation. There are traditional land of West Bengal and Bangladesh on both sides of the boundary line. Nearer home, Nagas land are scattered in the so call political boundaries of Assam, Arunachal, Manipur, Myanmar and the present Nagaland state.
The political boundaries in between the Angamis and the Memeis includes Memei’s stretch of land beyond the political line of demarcation. For instance the TB Hospital at Khuzama Angamis was constructed on the Memei ancestral land.
In the same manner the stream in the Dzüko valley which divides the land of the so called Manipur and Nagaland political boundaries does not necessarily based on ancestral land of the Angamis, Memeis and Zeliangrongs.
As for road accessibilities, they are constructed for the need and greater convenience of a particular village or people or depended on the good governance. The land owners of this road(s) are happy to observe that people outside their community make use of the road(s).
The controversy of Dzüko valley and its range areas should therefore, be decided by the concerned people or by the Naga civil organizations and not by the Government of the day. The Memeis had been exercising maximum restrain so that, the Naga adversaries will not take advantage morally till the Nagas areas of Manipur are liberated from the clutches of the Meiteis.
The Memeis have its folk-lore, stories how their ancestrals set foot in the valley and planted trees and sowed seeds.
One hoped, everyone understands the importance of Dzüko issue been discussed and arrived to a logical conclusion by the concerned people or by the Naga civil societies.
The reaction on Dzüko issue should not have unprecedented eruption of uproars, forcible claim in words and actions will not at all be the end of the beginning.
The beauty of Dzüko valley should not be tarnished by men but remain pure as God has chosen to create the beautiful valley in this particular spot of the earth. It is hoped, the Dzüko valley will be the binding force of good relationship as ever, between the three Tenyimi members of Angamis, Memeis and Zeliangrongs whose lands surround the Dzüko valley.
Patrick K. Lerite
Secy. PP&R
Memei Hoho (Mao Council)
Ethufü, Senapati District
