Longtsunger Tikhirs detail warnings prior to October 10 violence

DIMAPUR — The Tikhir community of Longtsunger village in Kiphire district has stated that it received multiple warnings against celebrating Tsonglaknyi this year, breaking a longstanding tradition of holding the festival without disruption.

In a clarification issued on Sunday, the community stated that the warnings came days before violence broke out on October 10, when the festival was scheduled to be held.

According to the statement, the first warning first came on October 7, when the head village guards of Zaonger and Zhimkiur villages issued a joint statement claiming that Longtsunger had been established on their land and fell under the jurisdiction of the Yimkhiung Tribal Council. The joint statement said the festival would not be allowed and warned of action if the directive was ignored, according to the Tikhir community.

The following day, the Longtsunger village council met; on the same day, the president and secretary of Metümnyo Club also issued a warning, saying the organisation and the community would not be held responsible if the situation escalated during the festival, it stated.

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At another village council meeting on October 10, Hanso, the village council chairman, verbally warned the Tikhirs against holding the festival, the community alleged. It further claimed that he issued a written warning on the council's letterhead without consulting other council members.

According to the community, people from Kiusam village came to their assistance after an incident at Zaonger on the morning of October 10. The ensuing standoff became uncontrollable, leading to arson and the evacuation of residents, it stated.

It also alleged that armed men had been stationed in and around Longtsunger since October 9, claiming this indicated that an attack had been planned.