United Naga Tribes Association on Border Areas (UNTABA) held its executive committee meeting on May 20 at Lotha Hoho Ki and deliberated about the border issue between Assam and Nagaland and the frequent incidents of clashes due to encroachment by “illegal settlers” from Assam in border areas.
According to a press release issued by UNTABA, general secretary Imsumongba Pongen during the meeting the members strongly condemned the “lackadaisical” attitude of the administrative officers of border areas on failure to implement various legal provisions in support of the Naga people.
In the meeting UNTABA also adopted five-point resolutions wherein its executive committee was instituted with the appointment of 21 members. Pongen said the house also thoroughly reviewed the continued illegal settlements and establishments of villages, townships, tea estates and other developments in all traditional and historical lands of the Naga people which include “numerous” reserved forests in all the border areas of Nagaland and Assam.
The association also reiterated its earlier demand from the state government for number lists of “illegal settlements and establishments” of villages, townships, tea estates and other developments in all the traditional and historical lands of the Naga people including the total areas of “random” deforestation arbitrarily undertaken by the government of Assam in all the border areas for immediate eviction.
At meeting the house resolved to visit the border areas time to time to study the ground realities and consultation with people directly affected by the chronic border related problems. It also resolved to have a consultative meeting with all MLAs of the border areas of Nagaland at the earliest possible time.
The appointed executive committee are: Hongshong Konyak (Naginimora), Tingnon Konyak (Tizit), M. Akong Phom (Longleng), A. Pongshi Phom (Longleng), L. Wati Jamir (Langpangkong), Nungsang Longkumer (Japukong), Moameren Aier (Tsurangkong), Himahito Chishi (Northern Sumi), Er. K.L. Moyo (Ralan), Isawoto Zhimomi (Western Sumi), Mughavi Awomi (Western Sumi), Kughalu Aye (Western Sumi), G.K. Rengma (RNPC), K. Solomon Rengma (RNPC), Silas Khongsai (Kuki Inpi), Richard Haolai (Kuki Inpi), Kesamyi (ZPO), Muntin Newmai (ZPO), Raitu Elu (Zeme Council) and two members from LLRPO for the smooth functioning of the association. The association also reconstituted advisory board with T.N. Manen, K.K. Sema, Ntsemo Ngullie, Nillo Rengma, L.K. Achumi, Longbe Meru, W.Y. Kithan, Thanghao Lenthang and Dr. Toshi Echa as members.