Barely a day after successful conclusion of the 19th edition of Hornbill Festival at Naga Heritage Village Kisama, a new controversy has erupted with residents of Tungjoy village in Manipur’s Senapati district on Tuesday questioning the wisdom of Nagaland government in organising few activities of the festival in their area without their consent.
A statement issued by Tungjoy Village Authority Council (TVAC) chairman PS Seva alleged that boating, hiking, angling, go kart, country ride, jungle ride, etc, were forcibly organised at the tourist destination “Anyothro”, which it claimed to be under their jurisdiction.
According TVAC, the area where the events were held was situated between Khezhakeno village in Nagaland’s Phek district and Tungjoy village in Manipur’s Senapati district.
TVAC warned that this could deepen the divide that already existed between the Tungjoy villagers and Khezhakeno villagers and lead to unwanted situation and escalation of tension in the area. Claiming that the land was never disputed, TVAC added that Tungjoy villagers used to cultivate potato, cabbage and paddy in the area in the past without any disturbance. It mentioned that even the deputy commissioners of both Phek and Senapati districts had earlier signed an agreement not to disturb the villagers.
Alleging that Nagaland governor PB Acharya had inaugurated Chida Resort on November 10 despite their strong objection as the area was under their jurisdiction, TVAC questioned the moral and legal authority of the Nagaland government over the land. The council questioned the wisdom and rationality of the Nagaland government in organising the mega event of Hornbill Festival in the area without the knowledge and consent of the people of the village.
The council, however, appreciated holding of the Hornbill Festival, organised by Nagaland’s art & culture and tourism departments. It also appreciated the concept note of the festival that stated that its objective was to unite different tribes of the Northeast that have been bogged down by inter-tribal conflict and violence in the past, uphold and sustain distinct identity of dialects, customs and traditions of all ethnic tribes of the State, revive and protect the rich culture of the State and also to showcase traditions.
The Tungjoy villagers were thrilled to discover that festival was celebrated every year with these beautiful ideals, attracting hosts of local as well as foreign tourists, the statement added.