The Lotha tribe of Wokha has reiterated its stand to not allow the setting up of the proposed Nagaland Special Development Zone (NSDZ) in its present form in the district. This was stated by Lotha Hoho chairman Mhao Humtsoe and general secretary Er. Mhondamo Ovung in a joint statement.
The above were among several resolutions adopted at a general meeting convened by Lotha Hoho at Wokha town on October 2 and attended by leaders representing Lotha frontal organisations, village council authorities, church leaders, public leaders, intellectuals and several prominent individuals.
The house further asserted LH’s stand, hinted during the meeting with the NSCN/GPRN at Dimapur on September 8, that the Lotha tribe will not allow any of its territory to be used as landing ground or for rehabilitation.
According to LH, the meeting further resolved that survey for alignment of the proposed railway line through Wokha district will have to be carried out along with Lotha Hoho members and land owners only and that the alignment should be through Ralan, Baghty and Tsurang valley.
While unanimously reaffirming and supporting earlier resolutions of Lotha Hoho and villages demanding that the Wokha-Merapani road should be executed as per specifications, the House also endorsed the proposal for creation of a new district of Bhandari and for which a sub-committee, consisting of members from Bhandari, Lotha Middle Range, Lotha Upper Range and Lotha Hoho would be constituted. The committee would prepare a report for presentation to the State government. The constitution of the sub-committee with suitable members and terms of reference would be prepared by the LH.