Zaonger’s Tikhir community cites official records on village status, while Longtsunger residents seek an investigation into October 10 violence
DIMAPUR — The Tikhir community at Zaonger village in Kiphire district has cited official proceedings and an agreement between the Tikhir and Yimkhiung tribal councils to assert its status in the village, while residents of Longtsunger have called for an investigation into the violence that broke out there on October 10.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Tikhir Union of Zaonger village said the issue concerning members of the two communities had been examined by the Dobashi court, with its findings submitted to the deputy commissioner of Kiphire. The matter was subsequently referred through the commissioner of Nagaland to the home commissioner, it stated.
According to the union, the home commissioner approved the position and conveyed it to the commissioner of Nagaland for necessary action under the memorandum of understanding and modalities signed by the Tikhir Tribal Council (TTC) and Yimkhiung Tribal Council (YTC) on January 19, 2022.
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The union maintained that there was no basis to claim that the Tikhir community had been unlawfully expelled from Zaonger or deprived of its community status. It also said the agreement protected the right of individuals to identify with either community and upheld the Tikhir community’s right to observe its traditional festivals, including Tsonglaknyi.
Separately, Longtsunger Village Citizens (LVC) called for a thorough and impartial investigation into the October 10 incident, alleging that armed people from Kiusam area entered the village, damaged the village council chairman’s residence and set fire to houses and public property.
The confrontation left one person dead and others injured, it sated while accusing nine village guards assigned to protect the village of abandoning their posts and leaving with government-issued weapons. The union demanded an inquiry and appropriate action.
It urged the authorities to ensure justice and prevent further violence, while appealing to all concerned to respect the rule of law. The Tikhir Union also called for restraint and an end to statements that could create misunderstanding between the communities.