(IN): NSCN-IM torches encroacher huts

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Link: http://www.telegraphindia.com/1070930/asp/frontpage/story_8377911.asp

 

NSCN-IM torches encroacher huts

OUR CORRESPONDENT

 

*Kohima, Sept. 29: *Activists of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim

(Isak-Muivah) this afternoon set ablaze over 100 huts, allegedly belonging

to encroachers, at Intangki National Park, 45km from Dimapur.

 

The Nagaland government had announced plans to evict encroachers from the

national park, but had not succeeded. Playing a vigilante's role to the

hilt, the NSCN (I-M) today took the law into its own hands, sparking fears

of an internecine conflict among Naga tribes.

 

When contacted, officials of the Dimapur district administration admitted

that they were not fully aware of the details of the incident. However, a

senior NSCN (I-M) functionary told *The Telegraph *over telephone this

evening that the outfit's activists had torched over 100 huts inside

Intangki National Park.

 

" Deputy minister " for information and publicity of the " Government of the

People's Republic of Nagalim " , Alezo Chakhesang, said they had issued an

order for immediate eviction of all encroachers from Intangki National Park,

a habitat of wild elephants.

 

Several armed activists of the outfit burned down hutments and shanties in

the area despite resistance from encroachers. More than 150 encroachers were

also taken into " custody " by the NSCN (I-M). Officials of the

administrations of Dimapur and Peren districts have not reached the spot so

far.

 

Sources said the Western Sumi Hoho, an apex organisation of the Sumi Nagas,

convened an emergency meeting this evening to take stock of the situation.

 

Earlier, on August 28, the outfit had torched 30 huts at New Jalukie Zangdi

village. This had resulted in an uprising among the Zeliangrong Nagas, who

withdrew their support to the NSCN (I-M) vis-à-vis the ongoing political

talks with Delhi.

 

On September 18, forest and environment minister Kheto Sumi told the state

Assembly that over 400 new huts have been erected in the park by several

Naga tribes, most of them Sumi Nagas.

 

He promised immediate eviction, but added there was a problem since NSCN

(I-M) activists were present in the area.

 

The NSCN (I-M)'s arson today was prompted by the steadily spiralling

protests against the outfit from several quarters over the park. In

particular, the Tenyimi Union, a conglomeration of 10 Naga tribes, has

accused the outfit of allowing other Naga tribes to encroach the park. Most

of the encroachers are from tribes outside this union.

 

A meeting of Tenyimi people last night said Intangki belonged to the

Zeliangrong people, adding that they are the sole landowners.

 

It dismissed the claim of the Western Sumis that Intangki National Park is

" no man's land " . A resolution also sought compensation for the victims of

arson at Jalukie Zangdi village.

 

The western Sumis of Nagaland have cautioned both the state government and

the NSCN (I-M) against any move to evict encroachers, particularly from

Inavi village, adjacent to Intangki forest.

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