Dimapur, February 27 (MExN): The Nagaland state government today entirely rejected the claims of encroachers – who were evicted from Intangki National Park – that the State ‘violated Human Rights’ by undertaking the eviction.
A stern response from the Principal Chief Conservator of Forest Dr. CL Goel called the claims of the illegal settlers “totally false, baseless” and “misinformation” being spread with “a mischievous motive.”
The government issued a rejoinder today clarifying on the eviction that was carried out in Intanki National Park on February 21. The government said Guwahati High Court had stated in its verdict on August 24 that the encroachers “Inavi/United Naga group” and its offshoots to voluntarily vacate the encroached area peacefully by December 31, 2011.
It further directed that in case the encroachers do not vacate by this date, the representatives of the encroachers one Honito Yeptho, Hevito and others are liable to pay compensation at the rate of Rs. 5 lakh per hectare per month.
“The court has also stated in the judgment that the State of Nagaland is fully entitled to evict them there from and to ensure that the encroachers do not continue with their encroachment in the Intanki National Park,” the Principal Conservator reminded.
The government stated in its response – “Mr. Inavi has alleged that a Special Leave Petition is yet to be listed in the Supreme Court, and therefore the eviction is unconstitutional.
It is clarified that no order/directive has been received from the Supreme Court by the Government restraining from evicting the encroachers. Pendency to list is no legal ground to stop eviction proceedings. In fact, on the contrary, the High Court directives are very clear for carrying out the eviction and the Government is answerable to the honorable Court for any inaction with regard to its directives.”
