Thsingar Village citizens appeal against ex-communication of Likhumse

The citizens of Thsingar Village have submitted a formal appeal to the Executive Convener of the United Sangtam Likhum Pumji (USLP), Kiphire, Nagaland, seeking reconsideration of the ex-communication order issued against Mr Likhumse. The appeal highlights concerns over the fairness and transparency of the decision.

In a letter addressed to the USLP Executive Convener, the Thsingar Village Citizens referred to the USLP’s ex-communication order, dated July 25, 2024, which ex-communicates Likhumse from the Sangtam Community for a period of 15 years. The citizens argue that the decision was made based on one-sided information and without summoning or issuing a show cause notice to Mr Likhumse for a personal hearing.

“Such an arbitrary judgement that results to the expulsion of our bonafide citizen and bringing indescribable shame upon the Thsingar Citizens as a whole is totally unacceptable,” the letter, signed by General Secretary S Heroli Sangtam and President Tsisekyu Sangtam, stated. It also stated that the arbitrary judgment has brought indescribable shame to the entire Thsingar community and is considered totally unacceptable.

The citizens have urged the USLP to review the matter judiciously and deliver justice within 10 days from the date of the petition. They have also warned that failure to address the issue will compel the citizens of Thsingar Village to take further action in pursuit of justice.

It may be noted that earlier this month, the USLP has officially issued an ex-communication notice against Likhumse Sangtam of Thsingar village, Kiphire District. The decision, effective from July 23, 2024, to July 22, 2030, follows an incident involving alleged derogatory comments made by Likhumse in a WhatsApp group, which were deemed harmful to the Sangtam Tribe’s growth and its peaceful coexistence with other ENPO Tribes.

It was cited that on July 8, 2024, Likhumse Sangtam made comments in a significant WhatsApp group, perceived as damaging to the Sangtam Tribe’s interests and harmony among ENPO Tribes. Despite multiple official and personal requests for Likhumse to delete the alleged defamatory message, he reportedly refused. It was said to have been confirmed via telephonic conversation that his comments were intended to defame the USLP President and the organization’s good office.

An emergency Executive Meeting was convened on July 23, 2024, in Longkhim Town, where the decision to ex-communicate Likhumse was made unanimously under specific constitutional articles.

As per the enforced tribal orders, Likhumse is prohibited from representing the Sangtam Community in any governmental or non-governmental capacity. No NOC (No Objection Certificate) or recommendations will be issued to him from the village, area, or tribe during the ex-communication period. He is barred from filing any legal cases against Sangtam community members or leaders during this time.

The ex-communication notice was served under the USLP Constitution and Article 371(A) of the Indian Constitution.

MT