Chakro Angami Kuda Union (CAKU) Saturday termed Naga Council, Dimapur (NCD) president T. Bangerloba Ao’s statement that Dimapur was a “no man’s land” as “irresponsible” and an “insult” to the Angami traditional landlords.
In a press release, CAKU president Luolao Üsou and general secretary Thejangulie Angami said the NCD president made the remark during a function to welcome the new DC Dimapur on September 20.
CAKU said that if the same was true, then it should be understood that even during Naga head hunting days, there was no record of any claims or settlements by any Naga tribes except Angami people settled in the foothills areas of Dimapur (Kuda). This was the reason why even during British period, no settlements of other Naga tribes were allowed without the explicit consent/approval of the Angami landlord.
CAKU argued that it was after railway reached Dimapur, the area was transferred out of Naga Hills. However, due to protests launched by Kohima students and the Tenyimia people, the area was returned to the Naga Hills, said CAKU.
During this period, there were only few Tenyimia settlers and no other Naga tribes migrated to Dimapur due to “hot climate”, said CAKU.
The union said with the advent of better living conditions, all Naga tribes began migrating to Dimapur and surrounding areas. This did not mean that land was lying “unoccupied” as “no man’s land”.
While criticising the NCD president’s comment, CAKU said the statement can only be construed as “total ignorance of historical reality.” “For instance, if one could say my traditional land is not mine and I also say your traditional land is not yours, then whose land our traditional land will be?”, asked CAKU.
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