The Thsingar Village Suro Pümji has officially denounced and declared as null and void the excommunication order issued by the United Sangtam Likhumse Phüngwa (USLP) against Likhumse Sangtam for a period of 15 years. The order in question, referenced, was dated July 25, 2024.
In a statement, the Thsingar Village Suro Pümji outlined several reasons for their decision. They pointed out that according to Article-17 clause (f) of the USLP Constitution, any issue or matter brought to the notice of the USLP should be addressed by constituting an Action Committee. The findings of this committee are then supposed to guide the resolution of the issue. This procedure was not followed in Likhumse Sangtam’s case.
The USLP Constitution’s Article-9 clause (f) mandates the inclusion of two Legal Advisors in significant meetings. Therefore, the Thsingar Village Suro Pümji asked why the Legal Advisors of USLP were not invited on 23 July 2024 USLP meeting at Longkhim.
Article-17 clause (g) of the USLP Constitution stipulates that a final judgment on any matter must only be delivered after a hearing or thorough investigation. However, it said, this provision in the constitution was also ignored by USLP in the case of Mr. Likhumse Sangtam.
Article-8 clauses (n), (o), and (p) of the USLP Constitution state that the presidents of all apex organizations, namely USSC, USGOU, and AST, are executive members of the USLP. It asked why the Presidents of these apex organizations were not officially invited on 23rd July 2024 meeting at Longkhim.
The United Sangtam tribe is comprised of eight Areas, viz. – Kiphire, Longmatra, Singti, Seyochung, Amahator, Longkhim, Chare and WSPO. It asked why only the Head GBs and Village Council Chairmen of Longkhim and Chare area were officially invited and asked on what ground the Head GBs and Village Council Chairmen of the rest six areas were not invited to the 23rd July 2024 USLP meeting at Longkhim.
It also mentioned that in order to ascertain the facts and to pursue justice, the Thsingar village Suro Pümji has submitted a representation to USLP on 29 July 2024 setting ten days as dealine which expired on 8 August 2024. However, the USLP has failed to officially respond.
Given the procedural lapses and lack of adherence to the USLP Constitution, the Thsingar Village Suro Pümji has declared the excommunication order dated July 23, 2024, as arbitrary and detrimental. The Suro Pümji emphasized that no summons or show-cause notice was served to Mr. Likhumse Sangtam, violating the principles of natural justice.
As a result, the Thsingar Village Suro Pümji has resolved that Mr. Likhumse Sangtam will continue to be recognized as a bonafide citizen of Thsingar Village, and his services will be utilized in all future endeavors. The excommunication order is considered null and void until justice is delivered.