DIMAPUR — The Aqahuto Area GBs’ Union (AAGBU) has unequivocally condemned what it termed as ‘irresponsible and unwarranted’ statement of the Lamhai Village Council (LVC), Nagaland Zeliang People Organisation (NZPO) and Lamhai People Organisation (LPO) against laying of foundation stone for establishment of Aqahuto EAC headquarters.
The union clarified that the proposed site for establishment of Aqahuto EAC HQ is located within the jurisdiction of Zutovi village under Dhansiripar sub-division in Chümoukedima district.
It has urged the Lamhai village council to refrain from distorting facts to vilify the Sumi tribesman of Aqahuto. It added that the statement such as “There is no area known as Aqahuto under the jurisdiction of Lamhai village” and “No recognised Sumi village” are blatant lie only to mislead and sow seed of discord.
The union reiterated that the migration of some Sumi tribesman over unoccupied land specified as ‘Western Sema Block” begun during the first quarter of 20th century under the aegis of British raj, the paramount authority over the Naga Hills district. As a result, it stated that Shokhuvi village was established in 1926 with the permit issued by JH Hutton, the British administrator, followed by Kiyevi village in 1939 with the permit of the then DC of Naga Hills Kohima, Charles Pawsey, and Zutovi village in 1948 with the approval of the then DC of Naga Hills Kohima, I Ali.
The union, therefore, stated that the legality of Sumi village under Aqahuto area is undeniable.