Kohima, August 28 (MExN): The Rengma Hoho has urged the Governments of Nagaland and Assam to implement a “time-bound and comprehensive afforestation program” across the more than 3,600 acres of land reclaimed during the recent Joint Eviction Drive–2025 in the Rengma Reserved Forest.
In a press note, the Rengma Hoho urgeD both governments to promptly implement a time-bound and comprehensive afforestation program across the reclaimed areas. “This process should actively involve local tribal communities, acknowledging the Rengma tribe’s historical coexistence with Naga tribes like the Sumi and Lotha, alongside other indigenous groups of Assam, within the Rengma Reserved Forest,” it added.
It stressed that the joint involvement of the Rengma, Western Sumi, and Lotha Hoho will ensure “coordinated, harmonious efforts—benefiting not just one community, but fostering unity and sustainable restoration for all who have traditionally inhabited the region.”
The organisation further urged that other rainforest reserves in the Rengma Hills—such as Nambor, Kaliani, Diphu, Diagrung, Doldoli, and Lumding—must also be protected in a similar manner to ensure long-term climate resilience and biodiversity.
It also called on both state governments to respect the traditional and indigenous rights of the Rengma people in all future decisions. “We do not support the resettlement of reclaimed areas by any community, whether tribal or non-tribal,” the press note stated.
The Hoho warned that without urgent protection and active restoration, the existing ecosystem risks collapse. “In the next 20–30 years, unchecked degradation could lead to desertification, severe droughts, and ecological disasters,” it said, adding that the consequences would include soil erosion, depleted groundwater, loss of pollinators, and diminishing medicinal and food resources.
The Rengma Hoho also highlighted that deforestation could intensify climate extremes, disrupt local weather patterns, and increase natural disasters. “Forest protection is not just a conservation issue but a vital step for the survival and stability of all life in the region,” it cautioned.
At the same time, the Hoho acknowledged the efforts of both state governments in reclaiming encroached forest land. It said, “The Rengma Hoho extends its appreciation to the Governments of Assam and Nagaland for the successful Joint Eviction Drive–2025 in the Rengma Reserved Forest. This historic initiative has reclaimed over 3,600 acres of encroached land, followed by an additional 64 acres in the second phase. This effort is a significant step toward protecting the ecological integrity and cultural heritage of the Rengma people, after whom the forest is named.”
