An exclusive closed-door meeting was convened on Monday, February 16, in Chümoukedima to deliberate on the February 13 violence at Maova Village under Medziphema.
The meeting was attended by the Angami Public Organization (APO) along with its frontal bodies — the Western Angami Public Organization, Southern Angami Public Organization and Northern Angami Public Organization.
Speaking to Mokokchung Times, Sebastian Zumvu, Vice President of the Chakroma Public Organization (CPO), said the apex body and its frontal organizations took the “unprovoked attack” on CPO leaders “very seriously.”
Zumvu, who was present when the violence broke out, said they were “shock” over the incident as they had gone to Maova “only for dialogue.”
Following the meeting, he informed that a press release has been issued by the Chakroma Youth Organization (CYO). He maintained that the community will ensure the matter is resolved “logically” and “according to the customary law”.
Zumvu further stated that certain villages inhabited by Kuki residents exist within the Chakroma area “with the permission from the Chakro people,” under conditions rooted in Angami customary practices.
According to him, in recognition of land ownership, “the Kuki villages continue to give the token rent annually to the respective village land owners as per the Angami-Naga customary law”.
He referred to a legal declaration dated July 31, 1995, signed by six Kuki tribal leaders, which recorded that members of Kuki tribes residing in the Chakhro Angami area and Medziphema town were permitted settlement by specific Chakhro Angami villages.
The declaration lists:
· Molvom village permitted by Medziphema village
· Bungsang village permitted by Ruzaphema village
· Sirhi (Kuki) permitted by Chakhro Public Organisation
· Phaipijang village permitted by Chumoukedima village
· Khaibung village permitted by New Socunoma village
· Maova village permitted by Tsuuma village
· Medziphema town permitted by Medziphema village
CYO issues 7-day ultimatum to Maova Village Council Chairman
Meanwhile, the Chakroma Youth Organisation has issued a written notice addressed to the Chairman of Maova Village Council.
In the notice, the CYO alleged that: “certain miscreants from Maova Village were involved in the planned, pre-mediated attack on Chakhroma Public Organisation (CPO) President and colleagues utilizing catapults, rocks and projectiles on 13th February 2026, when they had gone to your village in good faith to hold peaceful dialogue, resulting in grievous injury to our leaders and volunteers which is unacceptable.”
The organization has directed the Chairman to appear before CPO leaders in person along with Seiboi Changsan, GB, and individuals allegedly responsible for the violence at CPO Hall, Chümoukedima Town, for clarification and settlement.
The ultimatum requires compliance within seven days latest by February 23, 2026.
The notice further warned: “Failure to do so will compel Chakhroma Youth Organisation to take appropriate decision and actions deemed necessary under Angami customary law and established resolutions, for which you and Mr. Seiboi Changsan, GB will be held solely responsible and accountable for the act of violence against CPO Leaders.”
Background of the Violence
Violence erupted at Maova Village on Friday morning during a meeting between members of the Chakroma Youth Organization and residents of the village, resulting in injuries and extensive property damage.
According to police, information was received around 9:30 am regarding a meeting between the two groups. In view of possible law and order implications, the Extra Assistant Commissioner (EAC) Medziphema, along with the Officer-in-Charge of Medziphema Police Station and available personnel, proceeded to the village.
Officials reportedly found both groups engaged in heated arguments. Around 10:30 am, the situation escalated into physical scuffles, with individuals allegedly assaulting each other using sticks and chairs, followed by stone pelting from multiple directions.
Police said attempts by security personnel and the district administration to disperse the crowd were hampered by the large gathering, estimated at around 2,000 persons.
During the incident, the EAC Medziphema and two security personnel sustained injuries. One NAP (IR) personnel reportedly suffered a serious head injury due to stone pelting and was shifted to hospital.
Authorities reported that nine houses and three shops were vandalised, while eight shops, one community hall, one youth office, and one council guest house under construction were torched. More than 30 LPG cylinders reportedly exploded during the fire.
A total of 21 vehicles both four-wheelers and two-wheelers were damaged, with three vehicles completely burnt.
Efforts to obtain a response from Maova Village authorities were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
