The Seyochung Area Students’ Union (SASU) has urged the Commissioner of Nagaland to immediately constitute a high-level independent inquiry committee into a series of allegations concerning the functioning and conduct of Kiphire Deputy Commissioner Temsuwati Longkumer, including claims of financial impropriety in connection with land compensation for the National Highway 202 (NH-202) project.
In a representation addressed to the Commissioner, the union called for an impartial, transparent and time-bound inquiry into the allegations, stating that the issues raised warranted examination by an independent authority in the interest of administrative accountability and public confidence.
The latest representation follows an earlier complaint submitted by T. Likhumse Sangtam and Tsathrise Rüdy on October 1, 2026. According to SASU, the representation was acknowledged by the Commissioner’s office on October 5 vide Receipt No. 4741.
The allegations detailed in the original representation concern the Deputy Commissioner’s alleged conduct towards members of the public, compliance with restrictions on smoking in government offices, handling of local disputes, the use of the official residence, and a purported proposal involving deductions from compensation payable to landowners affected by the NH-202 project.
NH-202 compensation allegation
Among the allegations raised by the complainants is a claim that the Deputy Commissioner advised and encouraged affected landowners to agree to a 10 per cent deduction from their land and property compensation.
The representation alleges that the proposed deduction was intended to be paid to departmental and ministerial officials to expedite the release of compensation funds. The complainants further alleged that the release of sanctions would otherwise not be cleared.
Other allegations raised in the complaint
The original representation also accuses the Deputy Commissioner of allegedly intimidating or coercing members of the public who approach the office to seek redressal of grievances.
The complainants further alleged that the officer routinely smoked within the office premises despite restrictions on smoking in public places and government offices.
On the handling of local disputes, the representation claimed that administrative negligence and inefficiency had contributed to the escalation of disputes involving individuals, groups and villages within the district. The complainants expressed concern that such developments could affect peace and public order.
The complaint also alleged that the official residence of the Deputy Commissioner had been used for gambling and unauthorized private gatherings.
SASU demands independent inquiry
In its latest representation, SASU called for the immediate constitution of a high-level independent inquiry committee to examine the allegations and grievances concerning the Deputy Commissioner.
The union sought assurances that the inquiry would be conducted transparently, within a defined timeframe and without any conflict of interest. It also urged the competent authority to initiate appropriate administrative or disciplinary action in accordance with the law and applicable service rules if the allegations were substantiated.
SASU maintained that its demand was made in the larger public interest and without prejudging the guilt or innocence of any individual.
The union expressed concern that continued delay or inaction could further erode public confidence in the district administration. It therefore requested the Commissioner to initiate the inquiry without further delay and communicate the action taken.
The response of the Deputy Commissioner and the status of the inquiry request were not available at the time of writing.
