Dimapur, December 22 (MExN): The land dispute between Sendenyu and Phenshünyu villages under Tseminyu sub-division in Kohima district has been settled with a scheduled dedication of a ‘peace accord stone’ on December 29 at Parashen.
A note received here said that in the olden days Sendenyu, Thongsünyu and Phenshünyu were one and existed together, while Phenshünyu village migrated from Thongsünyu village. However, a land dispute arose between Sendenyu and Phenshünyu villages and the first recorded judgment was passed by C.R. Pawsey, the then Deputy Commissioner of the Naga Hills in 1921 followed by J.H. Hutton, the then Deputy Commissioner in 1934. However, both the villages rejected the decisions. Thereafter, several attempts made by various organizations at settling the dispute also met with failures.
“While such was the state of affairs, on 22nd March 1956, the first Naga national flag was hoisted by the federal government of Nagaland at Parashen, placing on record that the flag was hoisted in the land of Phenshünyu village which was then objected by Sendenyu village, since they also claim ownership of the land where the said flag was hoisted. Consequently, the dispute continued with renewed armed clashes as late as 2001,” the note received here said.
To bring about a permanent settlement to the long-standing land dispute, the Sendenyu Tegwenkinyu Union (Sendenyu, New Sendenyu and Thongsünyu Outsiders’ Union) and PKR Nezen (Phenshünyu, Khenyu & Rümesinyu Outsiders’ Union) formed a ‘land settlement committee’ with its first meeting on September 17, 2005. The committee was vested with decision-making by the village councils.
After a series of deliberations and on-the-spot physical verification of the entire disputed area, a landmark decision was taken by the committee to declare the flag hoisting location and its surrounding areas as a common property with joint ownership over the land.
“To mark this historic decision, a peace stone will be dedicated on 29th December 2008 at 11:00 hours at Parashen by Rev. Tenga Seb, executive secretary of the Council of the Rengma Baptist Churches (CRBC) and affirmation of the decision by subscription of Pledge to uphold peace forever by the village authorities of Sendenyu, New Sendenyu, Thongsünyu and Phenshünyu, Khenyu, Rümesinyu,” the note stated.
The occasion will be witnessed by Parliamentary Secretary R Khing and HK Khulu, IAS, Commissioner, Nagaland and Rengma Hoho. The committee has invited all church leaders, village councils, public leaders and well wishers to witness the “peace stone” dedication programme.
