Why Naga People’s Front has opposed the Forest Conservation (Amendment) Act 2023

India’s new Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act has been criticized as “anti-tribal” by the Naga People’s Front, who are calling for a resolution against it. The law, which received presidential assent on 4 August, has been accused of undermining the powers of state governments and conflicting with Article 371 A, a special provision granting autonomy to Nagaland. Concerns have also been raised over the law’s impact on the governance of forests, as well as its provisions for exemptions related to construction and national security.