Dimapur, Nov. 4 (EMN): In response to Kiyevi village statement, Lamhai village council (LVC) stated that ‘neither Kiyevi nor Khehoi has ever been a part of Lamhai village.’
In a joint statement, LVC chairman Haibamko and the head GB Amezi claimed that both Lamhai and Kiyevi village that the latter was established after taking due permission from the former, who is the owner of the said land.
It stated that in 1939, some Sema people numbering 43 people including Kiyevi and Lotavi came to Lamhai village and approached the leaders for adopting them as their sons and to sought permission to establish new village in Lamhai land. Following assurance from the visiting people to abide by the rules and regulations, it stated that Lamhai leaders decided to donate an area of land with specific boundary with Ngeuriezang (Ngeurie Range) in the north, stone pillar in the south,
Duilonggo stream till the confluence of Tehai river in the east, and Ncuketikpereu (Kalapathar stream) till the confluence of Nkoreu river in the west.
During the adoption meeting, the statement claimed that Lamhai people slaughtered one pig and hosted the visitors. Besides, there were even cultural exchange from both Lamhai and Sema communities who were part of the delegates to Lamhai village, it stated adding the visitors were gifted with different agricultural seeds for cultivation by the Lamhai people on the following day. Such were the relationship between the founders of Kiyevi village and Lamhai people during the initial years where they co-existed cordially and peacefully, the statement pointed out.
The village council was shocked to see that the present leaders of Kiyevi village have outrightly denied historical facts and failed to acknowledge the land donors who have gifted vast lands for their settlements.
“The claim of Kiyevi village being established after taking permission from British authority is too silly and unbecoming since the Britisher do not possess even an inch of land at Peren district. Such kind of confusing and childish statement is not expected from responsible leaders,” the statement added.
It cited one recent instance wherein ‘No objection certificate’ was sought from landowners of Lamhai for establishment of IAF Operational Base Station which was given willingly on 03.01.2016.
Since Kiyevi village was established after taking due permission from Lamhai village with clear demarcated boundary, the council statement said the land above and below Kiavi village belongs only to Lamhai people. Lamhai village council was also amazed as to how Kiyevi village could donate Lamhai land to Khehoi for establishment of village.
Lamhai village council has made it clear that Kiyevi village do not have any authority to donate or mis-use any area of land beyond their given jurisdiction. The council also urged the GBs of Kiyevi village to refrain from making such malicious and confusing statements to distort historical facts.
