The Maova Village Council has urged the Nagaland Police and district administration to disallow a proposed rally by the Chakhroma Public Organisation (CPO), warning that it could disturb public peace and communal harmony
In a representation dated July 15 addressed to the Commissioner of Police, Dimapur, the Deputy Commissioner of Chümoukedima and the Additional Deputy Commissioner of Medziphema, the council objected to the CPO’s proposed “peaceful rally” scheduled for July 17 at Jhornapani, New Medziphema, which is expected to culminate with the submission of a memorandum at the ADC’s office.
The council alleged that the rally was not merely a democratic expression of public opinion but was specifically directed against Maova Village. It claimed that the language used in the CPO’s press release repeatedly singled out the village and sought to mobilise public sentiment around an ongoing dispute, creating what it described as an atmosphere of hostility and communal polarisation.
According to the council, the organisers’ stated objective of “reminding Maova Village” of their position and appealing to tribal bodies to support their cause could inflame communal sentiments, provoke misunderstandings among different communities and threaten the fragile peace in the region.
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Expressing concern over the possible law and order implications, the council appealed to the authorities to reconsider permission for the rally in the interest of maintaining peace and public order.
The council also requested the administration to refrain from permitting public gatherings that, it claimed, target, intimidate or provoke any particular village or community. It further called for a neutral and impartial approach in addressing the ongoing issue, enhanced preventive security measures in and around Medziphema and Maova Village, and the resolution of the dispute through dialogue and legal processes rather than public demonstrations.
The council also urged the authorities to act on an earlier representation it had submitted regarding alleged crimes committed against the village.
Stressing the need for peaceful resolution of disputes, the council maintained that lasting peace could be achieved only through impartial administration, mutual respect, adherence to the rule of law and constructive dialogue rather than public mobilisation directed at a particular village or community.
The Chakhroma Public Organisation had not responded to the allegations at the time of filing this report.
