The Chakhroma Youth Organisation (CYO) on Wednesday stood by its banishment order against three residents of Maova village and called on the Nagaland government to de-recognise the village, escalating tensions surrounding the ongoing land dispute.
Addressing a press conference at the Chakhroma Public Organisation hall in Chümoukedima, CYO leaders said the order issued under Angami customary practices remains in force despite an FIR filed against the organisation earlier this month.
The three individuals – Sutminlal Vaiphei, Seiboi Changsan and Paoboi Changsang, had lodged an FIR on May 18 alleging criminal intimidation and defamation.
CYO president Medochüzo Medoze said the organisation had exercised restraint “out of respect for God, elders and Naga unity” but warned that continued inaction could further aggravate the situation. He urged the government to dissolve the Maova village council, suspend gaon buras (GBs) and halt development funds to the village.
CYO advisor Seyieneilhou Keyho maintained that relations between Nagas and Kukis in the Chakhroma area had historically been based on peaceful coexistence and mutual understanding. However, he alleged that the present dispute escalated despite repeated attempts at dialogue before the clash turned violent earlier this year.
He also appealed to other Kuki villages to engage with Maova village to facilitate a peaceful resolution.
Reiterating that the banishment order remains in effect, Keyho claimed the three individuals were not native residents of Maova village and alleged that customary boundaries had been violated.
The organisation further appealed to the state government to uphold customary laws and intervene before the situation escalates further.
CYO associate member Visako Angami alleged that Maova village had repeatedly defied government and court directives over the years and demanded de-recognition of the village, suspension of GBs and freezing of development funds.
The organisation stated that another meeting would soon be held to decide its next course of action.
