DIMAPUR, Sept 27 � The apex civil societies of Nagaland, including Naga Hoho, Eastern Nagaland People�s Organisation) supported by mothers and students body, Naga Mothers Association, Naga Students� Federation, political parties - NPF and Congress - as well as retired bureaucrats and politicians today disagreed with State government�s policy on Nagaland Special Development Zone (NSDZ). However, the government remained firm on its decision and asked all concerned to submit suggestions within next 30 days.
The views were expressed during the day-long State Level Consultative Meeting on NSDZs, Nagaland Investment Board (NIB) and NLTP Act held at SIRD conference hall in Kohima.
Expressing their views at the meeting, NH, ENPO on behalf of itself, ENWO and ENSF, NMA, NSF alongside retired Justice HK Sema and other retired State bureaucrats expressed fear specially with regard to Clause 5, 6, 7 of the NSDZ Resolution concerning transfer of ownership of land and relaxation of ILP for investment along the foothill areas of the State.
They stated that development and progress of the State is welcome but they are unable to accept NSDZ in the present form as the clauses of the resolution infringe the constitutional rights (Article 371A) of the Naga people.
The speakers also expressed fear that if NSDZ is implemented in the present form, Nagas would also be minority within our land in the near future, which would not be acceptable to the present or future generation.
The speakers further expressed apprehension that relaxation of ILP would lead to overpowering of the local populace by the illegal immigrants like other neighbouring states of the country.
On the other hand, the ruling party of the state, NPF spoke in favour of NSDZ stating that the process has just begun but the contentious issues need to be sorted out.
However, the tribal bodies and NGOs and retired bureaucrats welcomed NIB for the progress of the State towards economic prosperity.
Responding to the doubts and queries of the house, Chief Minister TR Zeliang said, �The government has learned a lot from the discussions and will surely try to work out and march forward with amicable formula acceptable to the people of the State.�
He said NSDZ is only a vision document of the government, which was passed as a resolution in the State Assembly. �We have not spent even a penny on NSDZ,� he said while also clarifying that the State being centrally located in South East Asian countries, many developmental projects can be taken up along the foothill roads.
Zeliang also clarified that relaxation of ILP for outsiders for investment in the State would be for certain period but not totally doing away with the system.
