Mokokchung, June 30 (MTNews): In a joint press statement issued by the Lotha frontal organizations, a copy of which was received here, it was clarified that “Lotha Hoho is the first guardian of its tribe and any authority it exerts over its jurisdiction is well intended for the welfare of its people and posterity.” This was stated by the presidents of Lotha Students’ Union, Lotha Eloe Hoho, Lotha Youth Hoho, Wokha District GB Association and WD Village Council Chairman Association.
Saying that the publication of June 11 by the State Government on the Lotha Baptist Churches Association (LBCA) issue in a letter to DC Wokha, dated 10th June 2022 observing that “the steps taken by the Lotha Hoho and consequent action, if any, at this juncture could be construed as interference in the court proceeding and also considered as obstruction on the administration of justice, as the matter was subjudice,” the five Lotha organizations stated that it need further clarification from the State Government and asked to verify and validate whether “Lotha Hoho or the LBCA is involved in any ongoing case in any court of law.”
“Let the people decide as to whether the application of Article 371A and the 16 Point Agreement is valid or not. But the fact remains that being the apex Tribal body, anything that disturbs the mutual and peaceful co-existence of life under its jurisdiction, the Lotha Hoho has the right to interfere to settle any such issue and the classic instances of which was exhibited in the present issue of LBCA administration,” the joint statement read. “Some vested interest groups misconstrued the fact and moved through the district administration which is very unfortunate,” it added.
The joint statement also said that there is no such organization called Lotha Public Organization (LPO) mandated by the public and therefore, “any communiqué in the name of LPO is vehemently condemned.” It further read, “The infamous LPO led by Sulanthung Humtsoe has no moral right to question the integrity and authority of the Lotha Hoho in exercising its obligations for the welfare of the people.”
“It is also to remind every concerned citizen that the issue of LBCA has a long and deep rooted history of antagonism and polarization. The LH did what it could to remedy the issue though it could not please everyone,” it read. The frontal organizations also reiterated “to stand strong with the Lotha Hoho in any matter that concerns the safety and integrity of its people.”