Nagaland minister for Health and Family Welfare (H&FW), P. Longon, on Tuesday termed as “illegal encroachment” the border fencing work at Pangsha, under Tuensang district. He contended that since Nagaland and its land were protected by Article 371A of the Indian Constitution, the government of India should have consulted the landowners before undertaking such activities.
The minister made this remark while addressing the 19th General Conference of the Eastern Nagaland Gazetted Officers’ Association (ENGOA) here at Niathu Resort Tuesday as chief guest.
Longon, who hails from Pangsha, asserted that the boundary issue could be between two sovereign nations — India and Myanmar, but Nagaland was an exception under Article 371A.
Therefore, he said that the landowners should have been consulted prior to taking up the fencing project. On the occasion, the minister also expounded on the role and importance of Eastern Naga Peoples Organisation (ENPO) in addressing various issues plaguing the Eastern Nagas.
While appreciating ENPO, Longon reiterated the need to strengthen the apex body of Eastern Nagaland. Further, the minister also pointed out that unity was a prerequisite for peace, development and progress in the area.
He also likened the four Eastern Nagaland bodies as a family: ENPO-father, ENGOA-mother, ENWO-daughter and ENSF-son, with ENLU being the “peon”.
In his speech, ENPO president, S Khoiwang, who graced the occasion as guest of honour, maintained that ENPO derived power from ENGOA, terming the latter as “backbone” of ENPO and its federating units. He also sought suggestions and advice from the ENGOA on various issues, including the International border issue.
Khoiwang also reminded ENGOA that it has a huge responsibility — an indispensible role — towards uplift of the area. ENWO president, Birila Tokiu, and ENSF president, Sepili L. Sangtam, who were the special guests of the occasion also spoke at the function.
Earlier, ENGOA president, Er. S. Changkei Konyak, in his presidential address, said that jealousy, ignorance about joy of giving and selfishness would only bring destruction. He also underlined the role and responsibility of ENGOA to guide its people.
During the conference, the N.I Jamir Award for excellence in government service in Eastern Nagaland was also presented. The inaugural function was followed by a business session.