| caption: |
Problems caused by burning of jungle by Vahong; salt well revenue |
| text: |
Halted Kanjang. There was a dispute here about burning the jungle by Vahong, who had claimed the right of burning when, what and where they pleased "as it was their custom". They stated, however, when the case came up that some of the jungle fires complained of were lighted by Kharasom and Sorophong. Apparently it is done for shikar, but indiscriminate burning ruins the land for cultivation and if it is not stopped the only remedy will be to fine the burners when found, which they usually will not be, and to prohibit Kharasom, Vahong and Co from shikaring on the right bank of the Thetsar below the Rio Kong. |
| text: |
It transpired during the proceedings that Vahong pay taxes at Ukhrul for their salt well, which is in the Naga Hills, and for another well which does not belong to them but at which they and other villages are at liberty to make salt, this also being in the Naga Hills. I told them that I did not think that if they represented that these wells were in the Naga Hills revenue would be any longer demanded. We do not in the Naga Hills take any revenue for making salt and in this case it is only Rs. 10/- per well (20/- in all), but I do not think it is very sound that the State should take this revenue, as it is likely to lead to misunderstanding later. As it was, Vahong were inclined to claim exclusive rights to the second well on the ground that they paid revenue, although there was a decision of a joint court against them, as they admitted. |
