The Zeme Council North East India, Headquarters Peren, Nagaland on 12 September 2025 issued a press statement prohibiting the selling and purchasing of Zeme land by outsiders in Assam, Nagaland and Manipur.
The statement reads “the Zeme Council, Northeast India (ZCNEI), expresses deep concern over the growing trend of selling and purchasing large portions of ancestral Zeme land in Assam, Nagaland, and Manipur. The Council had earlier passed Resolution Nos. ZCNEI-GA/RO6/2023: ZCNEI/2/EM/24/NO. 8: ZCNEI/3/EM/25/NO.5: which strictly prohibits the sale of such land to outsiders, other than members of the Zeliangrong community.
“Our land is not mere property-it is our heritage, identity, and the living testimony of our history, passed down through stories, songs, and cultural practices by our forefathers. While individual landowners may hold immediate rights of ownership, the land belongs collectively to the Zeme community.
“It is the duty of the community to protect and preserve it, for within our land and villages lie the roots of our culture, dignity, and existence. This inheritance from our ancestors is sacred, and we are determined to protect it even at the cost of blood and life.”
“The Council therefore issues a firm warning: those attempting to buy large tracts of Zeme land, or those who have already purchased land with plans to establish new villages or colonies, must withdraw immediately and reclaim their money from the sellers. Otherwise, they alone will bear the consequences of disregarding the will of the Zeme people.
“Let it be clear-Zeme land is not for sale. The Council calls upon all Zeme citizens to remain vigilant and stand united in safeguarding our ancestral land for future generations” added the statement issued by Zeme Council, Northeast India.
