Tikhir Tribal Council condemns reported violence during Tsonglaknyi festival and seeks investigation, relief and compensation.
DIMAPUR — The Tikhir Tribal Council (TTC) has condemned the reported incidents of violence, vandalism, killings and burning of houses allegedly targeting the Tikhir community during the celebration of the Tsonglaknyi festival at Zaonger and Longtsunger villages.
In a press release, the TTC urged law enforcement agencies and the administration to conduct a prompt, impartial and transparent investigation into the incidents and book those responsible under relevant provisions of the law.
The council also appealed to the state government to provide immediate relief and ex-gratia assistance to the families of the deceased and injured, besides compensating those whose houses were burnt and properties destroyed, to facilitate their immediate rehabilitation.
The TTC described the reported incidents as contrary to the spirit of peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and brotherhood between the Tikhir and Yimkhiung communities.
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It maintained that Tsonglaknyi is a traditional and cultural festival of the Tikhir community and that its observance does not cause any loss or prejudice to other communities.
“Whatever differences may exist concerning land or other matters at Zaonger and Longtsunger villages should be addressed through dialogue and established legal, administrative and peaceful mechanisms rather than through violence, intimidation, destruction of property and killings,” the council stated.
Emphasising that violence cannot resolve land-related disputes, the TTC said that burning houses, attacking innocent people and disrupting cultural and religious observances could not establish legitimate ownership over even an inch of land.
Such actions, if proven, would only deepen mistrust and sow seeds of discord, resentment and hatred between the two communities, undermining their peaceful future, it added.
The council also recalled that the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) had declared a “Peace Zone” across eastern Nagaland to promote peaceful coexistence in the region.
It said the reported incidents during the Tikhir festival went against the spirit of brotherhood and the peace initiatives and directives of the ENPO.
The TTC appealed to peace-loving citizens to condemn the alleged acts, stating that Naga communities were yearning for peace. It called on all concerned to uphold harmony and resolve differences through peaceful means.
Reaffirming its commitment to resolving inter-community disputes through peaceful dialogue, historical understanding and constitutional and legal processes, the TTC said it would continue to safeguard the rights, dignity, security and cultural identity of the Tikhir people.