Borlingri Area villagers union (BAVU) on behalf of the Nagas residing at Mon Basti, Chotu Lengri, Borlingri block II, Lotha basti, Borlingri Block-I, Rengma Goan, Wophong Taro Basil Lama Basti, Manipuri Basti, Longitea Estate and Balijan, has appealed to the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) to exempt Nagas living in border areas of Nagaland form the ongoing eviction, to avoid further conflicts between the two peaceful co-excising communities.
Reacting to the report– “KAAC to conduct eviction at Khan Basti”, BAVU chairman Meren Ao and secretary Mhao Odyuo said that the union was aware of the recent eviction drive carried out at Dudu Colony, bordering to Nagaland. It said that the claim of one thousand bighas for establishing commando training centre near the interstate border have confused the Naga residents.
BAVU said that most Nagas residing at the aforementioned villages have not encroached an inch of government land, but have purchased land from the Karbis and other communities.
However, BAVU said that if the authorities (KAAC) had earmarked the mentioned areas, the relationship of Karbis and the Nagas would be adversely affected.
Pointing out that Nagas being indigenous tribe had every right to settle anywhere, BAVU expressed dismay over the land policy (of KAAC), as it had deprived Nagas’ right and disapproved mutation of land pattas for the last many years.
It reminded that Nagas and Karbis have been existing peacefully for several years, which was also evident that the Karbi community had been living in the lower range of Wokha district, of Nagaland— “Manki Rang” under Bhandari sub-division.
This showed that the Karbis and Nagas still coexist as brothers with no history of disputes among them, it said. However, on the contrary the Nagas living in Karbi Anglong are being neglected in various ways by the Karbi authorities, BAVU stated.
It further pointed out that Nagas living in Karbi Anglong, being law abiding citizens, had been exercising their adult franchise rights in both Autonomous and state Assembly elections, in Karbi Anglong, for the past many years.
In this regard the union appeal to the KAAC to exempt the Nagas living in border areas of Nagaland form the ongoing eviction.