Calls for accountability and review of Article 371A implementation
DIMAPUR: The Western Naga Youth Front (WNYF) has strongly condemned the recent incident involving the Forest Department and Vezhoto Hesuh, raising concerns over allegations of monetary demand and the manner in which the matter was handled.
In a statement issued by WNYF president, Niesapa Soho and general secretary, Imtirong Amri stated that any act of corruption, abuse of official authority, intimidation or harassment of citizens was unacceptable and must be addressed firmly and impartially.
It stressed that government departments responsible for the protection and management of natural resources should function with transparency, accountability and respect for the rights and dignity of the people.
The youth organisation also expressed appreciation to the Chakhesang community for what it described as a united and responsible response in defence of their rights and interests. According to the WNYF, the collective stand taken by the community reflected the importance of public awareness and citizen participation in safeguarding people’s rights.
The WNYF stated that the incident should not be viewed merely as an isolated dispute between individuals or institutions, but as an opportunity for the Government and stakeholders to examine the implementation of laws, regulations and administrative procedures in Nagaland, particularly concerning land, forests and natural resources.
Highlighting the significance of Article 371A of the Constitution of India, the organisation said there was an urgent need to critically review the practical implementation and protection of the special constitutional safeguards granted to Nagaland.
It maintained that the spirit and intent of these constitutional provisions must be respected not only in principle but also in their application on the ground.
At the same time, the WNYF noted that constitutional safeguards should not be interpreted as a licence to disregard the rule of law.
However, it cautioned that administrative mechanisms should not be applied in a manner that undermines the customary practices, traditional rights and legitimate interests of the Naga people protected under the Constitution.
The organisation called upon the concerned authorities to conduct a fair, transparent and impartial examination of the matter, establish accountability wherever wrongdoing is found, and ensure that no citizen is subjected to harassment or exploitation for asserting lawful rights.
Further, the WNYF urged the Government to undertake a broader review of existing mechanisms governing forests, land and natural resources in the state, with meaningful consultations involving local communities and traditional institutions. Such measures, it said, would help ensure that the constitutional protections under Article 371A are effectively reflected in governance and implementation.
Reaffirming its commitment to justice, accountability, constitutional rights and the dignity of citizens, the WNYF said the unity and courage demonstrated by the Chakhesang community could contribute towards strengthening democratic accountability in Nagaland.