DIMAPUR, AUG 2 (NPN): Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU) has expressed its full endorsement of the Naga Students’ Federation’s (NSF) statement issued on August 1 on the protection of Naga ancestral lands and customary land rights.
In a press release, DNSU reiterated that the Naga ancestral homeland was neither a commodity for negotiation nor a territory open to unilateral alteration. It maintained that the homeland, along with its customary institutions and traditional boundaries, remained inseparable from the identity, history and collective rights of the indigenous Naga people.
The union expressed concern over the actions of certain Kuki settler groups and individuals, alleging that they had disregarded customary understandings, challenged traditional authority and advanced claims inconsistent with long-standing agreements governing settlement and land use.
DNSU stated that residence within ancestral lands had historically been extended through the goodwill of traditional landowners and asserted that such hospitality should not be misconstrued as a transfer of ownership or be used to undermine indigenous rights.
Referring to the recent Maova village land dispute, the union said the incident highlighted the serious consequences arising from the breakdown of customary land arrangements and established understandings.
It added that the reported incidents of violence and damage further reinforced the need for strict adherence to customary laws and traditional authority.
The union called for respect for customary laws, traditional institutions and historical agreements, and urged the state government and competent authorities to uphold and protect customary land tenure and indigenous rights in both letter and spirit.
Reaffirming that the protection of ancestral lands was a sacred responsibility, DNSU said it remained committed to upholding the dignity, heritage and rights of the Naga people while cautioning that their patience and hospitality should not be mistaken for weakness.
Monday, August 3, 2026