The fast enveloping illegal encroachment and blatant territorial aggression by non-Zeliangrong people culminating into establishment of villages in “Ntanki National Park” is a matter of grave concern.
Who is to blame? Who is responsible to check and rectify the misdoings?
Ntanki National Park has been declared as a National Park. The designated National Park is thus the responsibility of the State Government to protect and nurture its upkeep and development.
The question posed hence is “has the government been sincere to this issue?” the ground reality reveals that it is not so – then is the government just complacent or are vested interests of some people imposing the government to turn a blind eye?
We are watching intently and observing the burgeoning state of affairs in Ntanki and corresponding complacent attitude of the government on the matter. Can the government ignore or shy away from its responsibility? In the event of government failure, can the Zeliangrong people responding to the apathy be blamed for their pro-active resentment and response? The Rangapahar story does not give credence to confidence building measures on the government establishment.
A word of caution to the Underground government which has declared Ntanki as National Property: Is it not the moral duty and obligation of the underground government to preserve and protect this National Property? In the quest for higher goals and aspirations let not vested interests show its “ugly” face to cause dissension which ultimately will be counterproductive. I am afraid that unwarranted land grabbing will surely obscure greater visions. The answer to Naga political settlement surely does not lie in forcible land occupation in Ntanki.
Zeliangrong people known for their simplicity and mildness, and blessed with extensive expanse of good and favorable land are always threatened with the onslaught of external aggression leading to land grabbing and ultimately threatening demographic changes. The deficit and under-representation of the Zeliangrong people in Peren district is definitely a grim and grave situation. In the mantel of Democracy where justice and equality is paramount, the clouds of the de-limitation should not surpass us and deny us of our legitimate portion of justice. Peren district has only two sentinels or MLAs overseeing an extensive coveted land of over 100 villages.
While malaise is not intended on any other people, our reproach and resistance to external aggression is natural. May all the Naga people understand and appreciate our situation and stand.
Vatsu Meru, MLA Peren
