The Tikhir Union of Zaonger village has rejected allegations made by the Zaonger Mihkhung Arihako (ZMA) regarding the dispute between the Yimkhiung and Tikhir communities, asserting that the matter had already been examined by the competent authorities and that the Tikhir community’s status at the village was supported by official records.
In a rejoinder issued on October 13, the union described the allegations as factually incorrect and misleading, maintaining that the dispute had undergone an official process in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and modalities signed between the Tikhir Tribal Council (TTC) and Yimkhiung Tribal Council (YTC) on January 19, 2022.
According to the union, the matter was examined by the DBs Court based on historical records and relevant documents, with its findings submitted to the Deputy Commissioner of Kiphire.
The Deputy Commissioner subsequently forwarded the matter to the Commissioner of Nagaland, who referred it to the Home Commissioner for final consideration.
The union stated that the Home Commissioner approved the position and conveyed it to the Commissioner of Nagaland for necessary action and directions under the agreed framework.
“In view of the above official process and decisions, there is no question of the Tikhir Community being unlawfully expelled from Zaonger Village or of its members being deprived of their community citizenship or status. Any attempt to portray the matter as an unresolved dispute or to claim that the Tikhir Community has no legitimate standing at Zaonger Village is therefore misleading and contrary to the records before the competent authorities,” the union maintained.
It further cited the MoU and modalities between the TTC and YTC, stating that individuals wishing to identify with either community should not be prevented from doing so.
The union maintained that the Tikhir community had the legitimate right to observe its traditional, cultural and religious festivals, including Tsonglak-Nyi, in accordance with its customs and identity. It said such celebrations could not be construed as interference with the Yimkhiung community.
Appealing for restraint, the union urged the ZMA and others to refrain from unsubstantiated allegations and provocative statements that could create misunderstanding between the communities. It reiterated its commitment to peace, mutual respect and communal harmony while safeguarding the community’s rights and traditions.
“Accordingly the Zaonger Village Tikhir Community urges the Zaonger Mihkhung Arihako and all concern persons to respect the official records, decisions and agreed modalities and to refrain from any further attempt to misrepresent the status or legitimate rights of the Tikhir Community at Zaonger Village,” it concluded.
The rejoinder follows the ZMA’s October 12 statement attributing the recent violence to a longstanding village dispute. The violence on October 10 left one person dead and another injured, while houses were burnt or vandalised in several areas of Kiphire district. The competing accounts of the dispute and the events leading to the violence have not been independently established.
Zaonger violence: 19 houses burnt, 21 vandalised, 19 vehicles damaged or burnt
The district administration, led by Additional Deputy Commissioner of Pungro Hotolu Sema, NCS, along with police personnel and representatives of the Pungro Area Public Forum, visited Zaonger village on October 12 to assess damage caused by the recent tribal conflict and facilitate the safe retrieval of personal belongings by displaced persons.
The administration said the collected belongings were deposited at Pungro Police Station for safekeeping, documentation and secure handling. Local representatives and civil society organisations assisted in coordinating the process and maintaining communication among stakeholders.
According to the damage assessment, 21 houses were vandalised and 19 burnt in Zaonger village. A total of 19 vehicles were damaged or burnt, including 12 motorcycles, three Sumo vehicles and one pickup truck that were burnt, and one Sumo, one pickup truck and one motorcycle that were damaged.
The administration said ensuring civilian safety, assessing damage and assisting displaced persons remained priorities. Security has been tightened around the village, and the situation continues to be closely monitored.
CNTC, NSCN/GPRN appeal for peace
The Central Nagaland Tribes Council (CNTC) and the Saramati Region of the Government of the People’s Republic of Nagalim (NSCN/GPRN) have separately appealed to the Yimkhiung and Tikhir communities to exercise restraint, end violence and resolve their differences through dialogue following the recent unrest in Kiphire and Shamator districts.
The CNTC expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life, injuries, burning of houses and displacement of families, describing the two communities as closely bound by blood, history, culture and a shared destiny.
“When one suffers, the other feels the wound,” the CNTC stated, urging both communities to prevent further bloodshed, destruction of homes and displacement.
Appealing to the people of both communities to choose restraint over retaliation, the council said, “True courage is not found in striking back, but in the strength to protect, to forgive, and to heal.”
The CNTC also urged leaders, elders and youth from both sides to guide their communities with wisdom and compassion, protect vulnerable people and restore peaceful relations. It called on the State Government and district administrations to act urgently and fairly, ensure the safety of all, provide immediate relief to affected families and create space for genuine dialogue.
Invoking the Naga spirit of resilience, forgiveness and kinship, the council expressed hope that reconciliation would restore the bond between the two communities.
Separately, C Süchu Jacob, Care-Taker/CAO of the Saramati Region, Government of the People’s Republic of Nagalim, appealed to the Yimkhiung and Tikhir communities to maintain peace, harmony and mutual respect following what he described as an unfortunate and unforeseen incident.
Jacob urged tribal bodies, community leaders, youth organisations, civil society groups and concerned citizens to promote dialogue and discourage rumours and provocation. He stressed that the safety and well-being of the people must remain the foremost priority.
He said the communities shared a common history and deep-rooted cultural and social ties, adding that their relationship should not be weakened by differences or misunderstandings.
“Differences must be resolved through mutual understanding and constructive dialogue, not through confrontation or violence,” Jacob stated, calling for an amicable resolution that would preserve unity and brotherhood between the two communities.
The appeals come amid continuing tensions following violence that left one person dead and another injured, while houses were burnt or vandalised in several areas of Kiphire and Shamator districts.