DIMAPUR, OCT 17 (NPN): A high-level delegation of the Western Sumi Hoho, led by its president, Tokuho Suhoi Neho, along with executive members, called on Nagaland chief minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio at his private residence in Sovima and submitted a representation highlighting the community’s concerns and aspirations on key issues, particularly in the newly carved Niuland district.
WSH in a press note stated that the hoho, during the consultative meeting, stressed the need to safeguard the rights, land ownership and future economic interests of local indigenous inhabitants in any oil exploration initiative in Western Sumi areas.
Acknowledging the potential for regional economic growth, the delegation underscored the need for fair, transparent and community-centric frameworks before proceeding with operational measures.
WSH also raised concerns over the long-standing Nagaland-Assam border dispute, particularly along areas bordering Niuland district. It said the prolonged uncertainty along the border affected the peace, security and daily livelihoods of border villagers.
The delegation urged the state government to take proactive steps towards an equitable and permanent resolution of the territorial dispute, ensuring the protection and security of native landholders.
The hoho further highlighted technical discrepancies concerning the Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates of several historic Naga villages in Niuland district. It pointed out that various digital mapping tools and official location databases incorrectly depicted these recognised Naga villages as falling within neighbouring districts of Assam. Terming this a distortion of administrative reality and historical identity, the hoho urged the state administration to coordinate with national mapping agencies and relevant authorities to rectify the geographical mapping errors at the earliest.
WSH said the chief minister gave a patient hearing to the delegation and assured the hoho that the state government remained committed to safeguarding tribal rights, addressing border issues with utmost priority and taking necessary measures to resolve technical anomalies concerning village demographics and geographical records.
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