AYO warns of fallout after Chakhroma leaders assaulted

DIMAPUR — The Angami Youth Organization (AYO) on Saturday stated that it is closely monitoring the situation following what it described as a “shocking assault” on Chakhroma leaders by villagers from Maova on February 13, warning that past restraint should not be mistaken for weakness.

In a press release, the youth organisation alleged that the attackers had intended to cause grievous harm. Terming the incident alarming, the AYO stated that it had raised serious concerns about the “hostile and belligerent attitude” displayed during the episode.

Recalling past events, the organisation referred to the 1995 killing of two Angami youths, after which a quit notice had been issued to Kuki residents within Angami jurisdiction.

It stated that the notice was later kept in abeyance at the request of Chakhroma Public Organisation (CPO) after Kuki leaders sought protection and gave a written declaration.

Also read: CAKU, CPO unit condemn February 13 incident at Maova village

According to the AYO, the declaration—made on July 31, 1995, at Medziphema—committed Kuki villages to respect the authority of Chakhroma landowners, uphold Angami Naga customary law in matters of land and dispute resolution, and abide by the social and political decisions of Chakhroma Angamis.

The organisation warned that the February 13 incident had revived deep-seated concerns and reminded Maova villagers that the 1995 quit notice was only kept in abeyance and could be restored if the situation deteriorated.

The AYO urged Maova Village Council to comply with the ultimatum issued by Chakhroma Youth Organisation on February 16, cautioning that failure to do so could lead to “adverse consequences.”

Meanwhile, the AYO appealed for restraint while asserting that the safety, dignity and customary rights of the Chakhroma Angamis would not be compromised.