Thonoknyu controversy deepens as FGN factions clash over tax and jurisdiction claims

TUENSANG — The Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) factions from the Khiamniungan and Tikhir regions have issued separate clarifications over the recent controversy surrounding the alleged abduction of Thonoknyu Village Development Board (VDB) secretary and the associated dispute on ‘tax jurisdiction’.

On Saturday, the FGN Khiamniungan Region refuted allegations of abduction and intimidation involving the VDB secretary and village council chairman (VCC) of Thonoknyu village, stating that the representatives had only called the village leaders for consultation regarding a pending taxation matter.

In its clarification, the Khiamniungan Region maintained that the action was purely consultative and “without any intention or means of threat.”

It added that the statements made by the “Tikhir brothers” were “fortified and intimidating,” and made “without understanding the ground reality.”

The statement explained that the issue pertains to annual household tax for 2024–2025, which the Thonoknyu VCC claimed had already been paid to the Tikhir region.

Related: Armed miscreants abduct VDB secretary in Thonoknyu; TTC condemns, seeks swift action

The Khiamniungan Region asserted that Thonoknyu falls within Khiamniungan land and that its representatives only visited the VCC’s residence “to seek clarification on the matter.”

Following this, the Tikhir Region NNC/FGN issued a rejoinder to the Khiamniungan Region’s statement, rejecting its claims and clarifying that the land and traditional jurisdiction issue between the Khiamniungan and Tikhir tribes is presently under consideration before the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) for an amicable solution.

The rejoinder stated that “any claim suggesting that Tikhir people are residing within Khiamniungan jurisdiction doesn’t arise and stands baseless and misleading.”

It asserted that until the ENPO concludes its process and issues a final decision, “no individual, group, or authority has the right to impose unilateral claims or demand tax” over the said village.

The Tikhir Region added that it has already collected the annual tax from Tikhir residents at Thonoknyu village and that the Khiamniungan region may collect tax from its own people residing in the area “for a peaceful environment.”

The rejoinder further appealed to all concerned “to maintain peace, respect traditional protocols, and refrain from issuing statements that may create misunderstanding or tension between the two communities.”

Meanwhile, VDB secretary Longkhoi clarified through a video message that he had not been kidnapped but had gone “upon their call to have a conversation with the FGN.”