Kohima, July 31 (MExN): The Naga Students' Federation (NSF) on Friday expressed concern over what it described as recent attempts by “certain Kuki settler groups” residing in the traditional Naga homeland to challenge customary institutions and long-standing land arrangements.
In a statement, the Federation asserted that the ancestral homeland of the indigenous Nagas “is neither a commodity for negotiation nor a territory open to unilateral alteration,” describing Naga customary institutions and traditional boundaries as inseparable from the identity, history and collective rights of the indigenous Naga people.
The NSF alleged that there have been recurring instances in which “some Kuki individuals and groups” have disregarded customary understandings, challenged traditional authority and advanced claims that it said were inconsistent with long-established agreements governing settlement and land use.
The Federation stated that residence within Naga ancestral lands had been extended through the “goodwill, hospitality and consent of the traditional landowners,” but claimed that such hospitality had been misconstrued as a transfer of ownership and used to question the historical rights of indigenous custodians.
Calling on all residents, irrespective of origin, the NSF urged them to respect customary laws, traditional institutions and historical agreements that it said have governed peaceful coexistence for generations. It further alleged that “unauthorised occupation, unilateral actions and disregard for traditional authority” in some recent incidents had undermined trust built over decades.
The Federation also appealed to Naga people to remain “vigilant, united and unwavering” in safeguarding what it described as their collective ancestral heritage, stating that the defence of indigenous rights extends beyond territory to the preservation of identity, history, culture and customary institutions.
It further called on the Nagaland Government and competent authorities to ensure that historical agreements, customary land tenure and indigenous rights are upheld and protected under the law.
Referring to the recent Maova village land dispute, the NSF said the incident was “a solemn reminder” of the consequences that can arise when long-standing land arrangements and customary understandings break down. It cited violence, property damage and injuries suffered by several individuals as highlighting what it described as a lack of respect for historical agreements and customary laws.
The Federation cautioned against any recurrence of such incidents, stating that “the Naga people's patience, hospitality and call for peace must never be undermined for weakness,” and added that “any recurrence of such acts will not be tolerated under any circumstances.”
The NSF reiterated that protecting indigenous ancestral lands remains “a sacred responsibility” while affirming its commitment to peaceful coexistence based on mutual respect, observance of customary law and recognition of the historical rights of indigenous landowners.
