In a landmark move for environmental conservation, representatives from 37 villages under Athibung sub-division in Peren district have unanimously resolved to protect Ntangki National Park and its surrounding ecosystems. The resolution was adopted during a General Consultative Meeting held at Athibung Town Hall on October 17, 2025, under the theme “Community Consultation on Conservation around Ntangki National Park.” The meeting was organized by the Zeliang-Kuki Public Organisation (ZKPO) and attended by village GBs, chairmen, youth and women representatives, as well as members of civil society organisations including the Kuki Inpi and the Nagaland Zeliang People’s Organisation (NZPO). The house resolved to fully support the Forest Department in the conservation of Ntangki National Park and agreed to strictly enforce customary laws against violators. A total ban on timber logging, fishing, and hunting within the park was declared. The use of poison, inverters, and batteries in rivers across Athibung sub-division was also prohibited. Each Village Council has been empowered to enforce these measures within its jurisdiction.
Speaking at the meeting, SDO (Civil) of Athibung sub-division urged village councils and organizations to exercise their rights under Article 371(A) to protect both land and people. “It is the right time to focus on conservation; later may be too late,” he warned. NZPO president Zandi Domta called for an end to the practice of offering bush meat to VIPs and urged villages to stop hunting parties from entering forests. He emphasized stronger ownership over village lands, saying they must be nurtured “as a real owner would his own property.” Bano Haralu, Project Lead at Wildlife Conservation Society–India (WCS–India), highlighted the connection between biodiversity and indigenous identity. “The disappearance of species leads to a loss of identity, as our culture, traditions, and habits are intrinsically tied to the landscape,” she said. WCS–India has been working with fringe communities around Ntangki since September 2023 under the IUCN/ITHCP Phase-II project to strengthen conservation of critical tiger habitats.
Kuki Inpi General Secretary Lulun Khulhou also emphasized collective responsibility to safeguard the park, while participants discussed strategies to strengthen community-led initiatives and partnership with the Forest Department. ZKPO reaffirmed its commitment to further engagement to develop a “partnership in conservation.”The 37 villages represented at the meeting included Phanjang, Saijang, Bonkollong, Songngou, Besumpuipuiloa, Lilen, New Chalkot, New Soget, Bunglen, New Besumpui, L. Lilen, Inbung, Old Soget, New Ngaulong, Besumpuiram, ‘B’-Lilen, Chalkot, Sailhem, New Nkio, Old Besumpui, Phaijo, Athibung, Sinjol, Nkio B, Nkio Lodi, Vongkithem, Sangluh, Khelma, Ikiesingram, Besumpui Zangdi, Chamcha New, Pellhang, Gopibung, Nsenlo, and Beisumlwa.
