Forest and raw materials contractors association (F&RMCA) Tuli has demanded revocation of what it described “the random and hasty decision” made by the cabinet to impose a complete ban on sale of sawn timber outside the state other than finished products.
In a press release, F&RMCA president T Nukshi Yaden and secretary Watitoshi, on behalf of Tuli area tree farmers, stated that the decision was “directly” in contravention of Article 371 (A) and Naga customary right and practice from the very inception.
Pointing out that agriculture was the main source of livelihood for Naga people, the F&RMCA claimed that about 90% of the population were involved in cultivation like tree, tea, rubber etc. Along with the agriculture, the association said that small scale and medium scale industries were growing side by side. It stated that those industries have grown by leaps and bounds giving a boost to the economy.
F&RMCA asserted that the state cabinet decision would not be accepted unless an alternative arrangement for the trees farmers and the Nagas in general was available.
The association also called upon the Naga people to stand together and tackle the issue. “Otherwise one day we cannot protect our Naga customary and traditional right in our own land if we watch as a spectator today,” F&RMCA stated.
Stating that Article 371(A) granted Nagas special powers to conduct their own affairs, the association has, therefore, urged the responsible authority to retrospect and revoke the decision otherwise the cabinet should set up an alternative avenue for the tree farmers and general public.