Zeliangrong leaders demand ouster of rebels from National Park

Kohima, Apr 09 (UNI) The Zeliangrong community in Nagaland has demanded eviction of rebel groups and safe passage of many endangered animals in the Ingtanki National Park, the only such park in the state.

The park in Peren district is now a safe haven for many rebel groups including NSCN (IM).

This demand was made after a meeting of the Zeliang Baudi (Hpho) in Peren district yesterday. The community leaders have decided to approach the local government and underground groups to evict the illegal encroachers from the land of the reserved forest, the only National Park of Nagaland.

While recounting the state cabinet decision to evict the encroachers, the meeting expressed surprise that despite the decision to evict the illegal encroachers within a short period, till date the government could not carry out the resolution, as such the National Park should be returned to the traditional owner.

The issue of encroachment of Ingtanki National park was raised in the recently concluded Budget Session of Nagaland Legislative Assembly and Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and forest minister Kheto had assured the House that the government will evict the encroachers with consultation of NSCN-IM, as its cadres were camping in the vicinity.

UNI