Resolution proposes separate settlements, village realignment and withdrawal of pending court case
The Yimkhiung Tribal Council (YTC) and Tikhir Tribal Council (TTC) have reached a 10-point agreement to address the displacement of villagers and territorial disputes between the two tribes in Kiphire and Shamator districts, proposing separate settlements for displaced families, changes in village status and administrative realignment.
The resolutions were adopted at a joint consultative meeting of the two tribal bodies held on November 7 at Hotel Grand Vista, Dimapur, following a meeting with the Commissioner of Nagaland on November 3 at the Commissioner’s Conference Hall, Kohima.
In a joint submission to the Commissioner, the councils stated that the resolutions were reached after deliberations aimed at ensuring peaceful co-existence and finding a permanent solution to the issues between the two tribes.
Under the proposed arrangement, Tikhir displaced persons from Zaonger and Thulun villages will be allowed to establish a separate Tikhir village under Kiusam administration. The Zaonger Village Council will be responsible for identifying and allotting the location. Similarly, Yimkhiung displaced persons from Pokphur village will be allowed to establish a separate Yimkhiung village under Pungro administration, with the Pokphur Village Council identifying the site.
Tikhir displaced persons from Longtsonger village will also be allowed to establish a separate Tikhir village under Kiusam administration, with the Longtsonger Village Council responsible for selecting the location.
The resolution also proposes changes to the status of the existing villages. It states that the existing Pokphur village will be recognised as a Tikhir village, while the existing Zaonger, Longtsonger and Thulun villages will be recognised as Yimkhiung villages.
The councils further agreed that displaced persons from both tribes living elsewhere will continue to receive government benefits through their respective parent villages until the proposed new settlements receive official recognition.
On administrative arrangements, the resolution proposes that all Tikhir villages, both existing and newly established, be placed under Kiusam Block/Administration, while Yimkhiung villages will be placed under Khongsa/Pungro Block/Administration.
As part of the proposed realignment, Longtsonger village, presently under Kiusam administration, will be transferred to Pungro administration, while Sangtsung village, currently under Kiusam administration, will be transferred to Khong administration.
On land ownership, the councils resolved that ownership of fields and kheli would remain with the respective individuals of both tribes, irrespective of where they reside.
The resolution also addresses the displacement of Yimkhiung residents from Sukiur ‘A’ village, stating that they will not return to the village. However, their confiscated properties, fields and kheti are to be restored to their rightful owners without any conditions, through the initiative of the TTC.
In return, the YTC will initiate the withdrawal of the related case pending before the Shamator District and Sessions Court.
Seeking to bring an end to existing disputes, the two councils also resolved that all outstanding issues between the YTC and TTC stand resolved. They further agreed not to entertain any fresh issues of a similar nature raised by individuals or organisations from any village.
Submitting the resolutions to the Commissioner, the councils requested the authority to consider the proposals at the earliest, on an issue-by-issue basis and without preconditions, in the interest of lasting peace between the two tribes.
The submission was signed by YTC President Throngso Yimkhiung and TTC President P Timon Tikhir.
The proposed arrangements are subject to consideration by the authorities, including the recognition of the new settlements and the proposed administrative changes.
