Chakhroma Youth Organisation gives the Nagaland government 20 days to act on the Maova village dispute.
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DIMAPUR — Escalating the ongoing dispute involving Maova village, the Chakhroma Youth Organisation (CYO) has given the Nagaland government a 20-day ultimatum to act on a series of demands, including the derecognition of the village and removal of its head GB.
In a representation addressed to the chief secretary on Tuesday, the organisation alleged continued government inaction despite a representation submitted earlier by the Chakhroma Public Organisation (CPO) on May 2 and sought immediate intervention.
The CYO stated that the historical background of the dispute, issues relating to traditional land tax and alleged non-compliance with government directives by Maova village had already been detailed in the CPO representation, which it fully endorsed.
Claiming that Maova village had repeatedly refused to acknowledge the CPO as the traditional landowner and had failed to fulfil customary obligations, including payment of traditional land tax, the organisation demanded immediate derecognition of the village.
The CYO further contended that the village could not continue to enjoy the privileges accorded to a tenant settlement while rejecting the authority and rights of the traditional landowners.
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According to the representation, the village council and head GB failed to comply with those directives, amounting to violations of provisions of the Nagaland Village and Area Councils Act, 1978.
Among its demands, the CYO sought placement of Maova village under the supervision of the district administration until the government deems it appropriate to constitute a new village authority.
It also demanded the immediate removal of Seiboi Changsang as head GB of the village and the discontinuation of the existing hereditary village GB or chieftainship arrangement, contending that the Nagaland Village and Area Councils Act, 1978 recognises such traditional systems only among the Sumi, Konyak and Ao tribes.
The organisation further called for suspension of developmental funds, government schemes and other state assistance to the village until compliance with government directives is ensured.
It additionally sought suspension of the issuance of birth certificates, permanent residence certificates, indigenous certificates and similar official documents by the village authorities pending compliance with lawful directives and recognised customary laws.
The CYO also urged the government to facilitate, in accordance with applicable laws and recognised Angami customary practices, the process relating to the expulsion of three individuals from the village.
Stating that the situation had become unacceptable, the organisation gave the government 20 days from the date of the representation to take appropriate action.
Failure to address the matter within that period could lead to public resentment and unrest, it claimed, adding that it would be compelled to take further steps to pursue its grievances.