DIMAPUR, AUGUST 31 (MExN): The Senior Citizens Association of Nagaland (SCAN) has opposed the implementation of the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act 2023 in the state.
In a press release, SCAN president, Dr Khanlo Magh and general secretary, Dr R Rose said the provisions are not suitable for the state and its implementation would leave Naga lands without any protection from arbitrary decisions of the central government as it excluded obtaining prior consent from the village councils and local district authorities.
Further the SCAN termed it a matter of serious concern on some exemption in the amended Act, particularly the 100 km exemption for environmental clearance for forests along with the international borders to be used for construction of strategic linear projects of national importance and those concerning national security.
Moreover, it stated that there is a growing concern that the Act would speed up the destruction of forests in the rich and bio diverse regions in the country.
“Land is a vital asset to the Nagas and lawmakers in New Delhi making arbitrary laws for the Nagas without our knowledge or consent and without taking into account the distinctive nature of land ownership system in Nagaland is unacceptable,” it stated.
Since the Act undermines the unique land ownership system in Nagaland, the SCAN appealed every right thinking Naga to resist any attempt to undermine our land rights.
The SCAN also said it is against palm oil plantation in Nagaland to protest and preserve out rich bio-diverse forests. It said palm oil continues to be the major driver of deforestation of some of the world’s most bio-diverse forests.
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