Kohima, September 6 (MExN): The Naga Hoho today declared its strong opposition to the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act 2023 and termed it a ‘threat to Nagaland’s constitutional protections and tribal identity.’
“This regressive legislation threatens to infringe upon the constitutional protections guaranteed to Nagaland under Article 371 (A) and poses a dire threat to the rights and heritage of the Scheduled Tribes (ST),” read a statement issued by the Naga Hoho.
“Article 371 (A) of the Indian Constitution acknowledges the distinct cultural identity and historical legacy of Nagaland, safeguarding its autonomy and traditional practices,” it asserted.
Further, relevant acts and regulations exist to protect the rights and well-being of the ST across the country, it added.
Accordingly, the Naga Hoho stated that the amended Act has set off alarm bells across the tribal communities and argued that under the guise of protection, it expands the state's reach into the heart of the traditional way of life.
This will opens doors to excessive government control over the forests and lands, raising concerns that these resources may fall prey to the interests of private capitalists, exploiting and extracting the natural riches in the name of development, it added.
The Naga Hoho also declared its firm belief that the government's claim of protecting forests through such measures is a “smokescreen for allowing commercial interests to prevail over the wellbeing and rights of the people.”
Any policy that disregards such concerns and aspirations in the name of development is an affront to the principles of justice and equity and the legislation reflects a disregard for the sanctity of the tribal practices and an erosion of autonomy, it added.
The Naga Hoho further expressed concerns over the potential fallout of the Act, noting that it stands in stark contrast to the age-old community initiatives aimed at conserving the forests.
It is crucial for the government to recognise that tribal communities, particularly the Nagas, have been the custodians of forests through community-led initiatives deeply rooted in the culture, it stressed.
“These practices must be respected and nurtured, rather than being undermined by the ill-conceived legislation.”
The Naga Hoho also denounced the government's “ulterior motives” of potentially converting the region into a “security zone” under the pretext of national security.
“Such a move runs the risk of side-lining the economic prosperity and focusing solely on a security-centric approach,” it maintained, further stating that the economic and developmental aspirations of the region must not be overshadowed by security concerns.
In this connection, the Naga Hoho called upon the Nagaland Government to safeguard the constitutional rights and the rich heritage of the Nagas and demanded that the State legislates to ensure that “this harmful Amendment does not find a foothold in the state.”
“We reiterate our commitment to preserving the Naga way of life and ensuring that the rights and aspirations of the Naga people are respected,” it added.
