Tikhir Tribal Council urges government to defer Shamator events, citing MoU violations, firing incidents, and law order concerns.
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DIMAPUR — The Tikhir Tribal Council (TTC) has appealed to Nagaland government to defer the proposed YAA general conference and Tsungkamnyo-cum-Mini Hornbill events in Shamator town, citing concerns over non-compliance with agreed modalities between tribal bodies and a fragile law and order situation in the district.
In a representation submitted to the commissioner of Nagaland, the council said the holding of large public and student events at this stage could undermine the “peaceful foundation” laid through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between the TTC and Yimkhiung Tribal Council (YTC) in January 2022.
The TTC recalled that Shamator district was declared a ‘Brotherhood District' in 2022 by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, a move welcomed by the Tikhir community. However, it alleged that despite the declaration, the Tikhir people have faced “systematic unfair treatment” and have been deprived of several opportunities.
Referring to the 2022 MoU signed in the presence of state government representatives, the TTC said the modalities clearly stated that neither tribe would obstruct the other from holding public or social events, and that such events would not confer any land ownership claims. The council alleged that these provisions have not been respected by the Yimkhiung side, which it said has become a matter of serious concern.
The TTC also drew attention to a consultative meeting convened by the deputy commissioner of Shamator in November 2025 involving YTC, TTC, STSU and SVSU, which it claimed was disrupted by Yimkhiung mobs. According to the representation, Tikhir leaders and student representatives were confined inside the DC’s chamber for several hours while groups outside allegedly blocked exits and displayed threatening behaviour. The TTC said it had submitted an incident report to the state authorities seeking action over the alleged failure of law and order.
The representation also referred to an order issued by the district administration under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, stating that despite the order, restrictions were allegedly imposed by the STSU on the movement of Tikhir residents in Shamator town, except for students appearing in examinations.
The council further alleged that on November 24, 2025, multiple rounds of live ammunition were fired in Shamator town by Yimkhiung youths, creating fear and insecurity among residents and widening the rift between the two communities. It also claimed that the re-establishment of the Tikhir Baptist Church in Shamator was forcefully halted, in violation of the agreed MoU.
In view of these issues, the TTC said that proceeding with the YAA general conference scheduled from January 7 to the 9th and the Tsungkamnyo-cum-Mini Hornbill event planned for January 16, without prior resolution of outstanding concerns, could further strain relations. It therefore urged the state government to issue appropriate directions to defer the events until consultations are held and agreed modalities are fully respected.
The council cautioned that if the situation escalates as a result of allowing the events to proceed, the state government would be held responsible for the consequences.