The Assembly Constituency Congress committee (ACCC), 60 Pungro-Kiphire AC has formally appealed to the President of the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) for the immediate revocation of the suspension order served to the District Congress Committee (DCC) Kiphire and its subordinate committees, as well as the elected PCC members of the 59 & 60 ACs. Meanwhile, the Kiphire District Congress Committee (KDCC) has also appealed to the All India Congress Committee (AICC) to intervene on the matter. The suspension, issued through NPCC notification on November 19, 2024, and letter dated November 20, 2024, includes a 30-day suspension period and a proposal for the formation of a new team.
In a letter addressed to the NPCC, the ACCC 60 A/C expressed their strong opposition to the suspension, asserting that the DCC Kiphire has been fully committed to adhering to instructions from both the NPCC and AICC. The committee emphasized that the DCC has been working diligently to strengthen the party in the district and has collaborated effectively with other party members to ensure the party’s smooth functioning.
“The ACCC 60 A/C fully supports the DCC and PCC members respecting their tireless dedication and services towards the development of the party in our district and further recommends their leadership,” the committee stated in the letter.
The ACCC 60 A/C also voiced concerns about the actions of Lithriyem Yimkhiung, who was not enrolled under the 60 A/C or the DCC Kiphire. The committee criticized his appointment as the PCC Secretary, claiming it was not done through the proper channels, and they had no prior knowledge of his appointment. ACCC 60 A/C accused Yimkhiung of stirring political unrest and engaging in conspiracies aimed at removing the DCC, ACCC, and PCC members.
According to the ACCC 60 A/C, Yimkhiung’s visit to Kiphire without prior official information to the DCC and his provocative speech during an anonymous meeting with the 59 A/C raised concerns among party workers. “There are witnesses about the misconduct and disrespect to DCC Kiphire,” the letter claimed.
The committee further alleged that Yimkhiung manipulated an NPCC order regarding the reorganization of the DCC, ACCC, and subordinate committees without the knowledge of Longtili C Sangtam, who had been duly appointed by NPCC to the committee.
The ACCC 60 A/C also opposed the suspension of Throngdiba C Sangtam, an elected PCC member, calling the decision unconstitutional and highly objectionable. The committee highlighted Mr. Sangtam’s dedication to the party, noting his significant contributions both financially and physically at the district, constituency, and NPCC levels. “The ACCC 60 A/C shall strongly stand with the present office bearers of DCC and PCC members,” the committee reaffirmed, expressing their frustration at the NPCC leadership for allowing the issue to escalate.
The ACCC 60 A/C has appealed to the NPCC to settle the matter promptly and revoke the suspension order for the greater benefit of the public of Kiphire and the proper functioning of the Congress party.
The letter was signed by Kamkiu, President of ACCC 60 A/C Pungro-Kiphire, and L. Achumba, General Secretary of ACCC 60 A/C Pungro-Kiphire.
KDCC appeals to AICC
KDCC president Likyuse Sangtam and general secretary Tsalichums Sangtam along with 17 other party functionaries of the district has appealed to the AICC to intervene on the matter regarding the suspension of DCC Kiphire, ACCC Pungro-Kiphire 60 AC, ACCC Seyochung-Sitimi 59 AC, and NPCC members from both 59 and 60 ACs.
In their appeal addressed to Girish Raya Chodankar, AICC In-Charge Nagaland, and Christopher Tilak, Secretary AICC In-Charge Nagaland, the signatories stated that the DCC Kiphire along with PCC members of 59 & 60 ACs and all the subordinates were “unexpectedly placed under suspension for a period of 30 days without any prior notice or explanation.” This, they said, was despite their consistent efforts in adhering to all instructions and guidelines from both AICC and NPCC and their commitment to strengthening the party at the grassroots level.
Stating their grievance in a two-paged letter, the signatories requested the AICC leaders to “investigate the rationale behind the suspension of DCC Kiphire, ACCC Pungro-Kiphire 60A/C & Seyochung-Sitimi 59 A/C, and PCC Members of both 59 and 60 AC without any valid reason.”
They also requested the AICC to “Facilitate a resolution that reinstates the DCC, PCC Members, ACCCs and its subordinate committees, recognizing their active and dedicated contributions.”
“Your timely intervention will ensure the morale and unity of Congress workers in Kiphire District remain intact as we continue to work towards strengthening the party’s presence in the region,” they added.