TTC alleges March selection bypassed ENPO eligibility criteria; warns of approaching competent authority if issue remains unresolved
The Tikhir Tribal Council (TTC) has issued an ultimatum to the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) over the selection of the Tikhir Interim Council Member to the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA), alleging that the selection process did not strictly follow the eligibility criteria framed by the ENPO.
In a letter dated September 29 to the ENPO president, the TTC said the selection process was held on March 10, 2026, in accordance with the directives and core eligibility criteria laid down by the ENPO.
According to the council, objections were raised during the selection against Mark Morekiu, particularly concerning what it described as previous adverse remarks and alleged pending legal cases. Despite the objections, the selection proceeded on the basis of a majority decision, resulting in Morekiu being forwarded as the lone candidate for consideration as the Tikhir interim member, the TTC alleged.
The TTC said it subsequently submitted several appeals and representations to the ENPO seeking intervention and redressal, but claimed that the concerns regarding the candidate’s eligibility remained unresolved.
The council said the situation had resulted in “chaos, confusion, misunderstanding and divisions” within the Tikhir community.
The latest ultimatum asks the ENPO to intervene and ensure that the selection is conducted “fairly, transparently and strictly” in accordance with the organisation’s prescribed eligibility criteria and directives.
The TTC has warned that if the matter is not resolved, it will approach the “appropriate competent authority for necessary intervention” without issuing any further notice.
The development comes days after the TTC submitted the name of Tsangli Tikhir to the ENPO, maintaining that he was the candidate who fulfilled the eligibility criteria for the Tikhir interim seat. The council had also raised objections to Morekiu’s candidature and questioned the process through which his name was recommended.
The dispute has also seen separate public positions from Tikhir organisations over earlier endorsements and the legitimacy of representations made in their names.
The TTC’s latest letter was signed by its president RT Kius, general secretary Wongsuthong, executive chairman S Moa Tikhir and secretary RK Tsuthong.
