Song Song Village Authority rejects Viswema village's claim over Mt Esii
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SENAPATI, Jul 25: The Song Song Village Authority, Mao, has categorically rejected the claim made by the Viswema Village Council of Nagaland over Mt Esii, asserting that the peak falls within the ancestral domain of the people of Song Song village and Ememai.
In a letter addressed to the Chairman of the Viswema Village Council, the Song Song Village Authority said it had taken note of a circular issued by the council on July 21 regarding Mt Esii and rejected its claim that the peak falls under the jurisdiction of Viswema village.
The authority maintained that Mt Esii is an ancestral domain of the people of Song Song village and Ememai, inherited through generations under customary laws, oral history and traditional heritage. It also described Mt Esii as the highest peak of Manipur and an integral part of their ancestral heritage and identity.
The authority further stated that the removal of its signage at the site would not affect its legitimate claim, while asserting that the Viswema Village Council's directive requiring permission to trek Mt Esii had no legitimacy over what it described as its ancestral domain.
It said the people of Song Song village and Ememai would continue to visit, protect and preserve Mt Esii, as their forefathers had done, adding that any obstruction or untoward incident arising from such interference would be the responsibility of those creating it.
While expressing its commitment to peaceful neighbourly relations based on mutual respect and historical understanding, the authority said it would continue to defend its ancestral rights through legitimate and peaceful means.
It also urged the Viswema Village Council to refrain from making what it termed unfounded territorial claims and avoid actions that could disturb peace and harmony between the communities.
In a letter addressed to the Chairman of the Viswema Village Council, the Song Song Village Authority said it had taken note of a circular issued by the council on July 21 regarding Mt Esii and rejected its claim that the peak falls under the jurisdiction of Viswema village.
The authority maintained that Mt Esii is an ancestral domain of the people of Song Song village and Ememai, inherited through generations under customary laws, oral history and traditional heritage. It also described Mt Esii as the highest peak of Manipur and an integral part of their ancestral heritage and identity.
The authority further stated that the removal of its signage at the site would not affect its legitimate claim, while asserting that the Viswema Village Council's directive requiring permission to trek Mt Esii had no legitimacy over what it described as its ancestral domain.
It said the people of Song Song village and Ememai would continue to visit, protect and preserve Mt Esii, as their forefathers had done, adding that any obstruction or untoward incident arising from such interference would be the responsibility of those creating it.
While expressing its commitment to peaceful neighbourly relations based on mutual respect and historical understanding, the authority said it would continue to defend its ancestral rights through legitimate and peaceful means.
It also urged the Viswema Village Council to refrain from making what it termed unfounded territorial claims and avoid actions that could disturb peace and harmony between the communities.