Dimapur, July 21 (MExN): Another controversy is in the making in Seyochung area, Kiphire, this time involving the Seyochung Areas Students’ Union reportedly claiming Seyochung to be purely dominated by the Sangtam community. Expectedly, the Sumi community in the district is not happy.
The Kiphire District Sumi Hoho stated that Seyochung town belongs to Yangzitong (Yezutu) ‘A’ and ‘B’ village. In these villages are two communities i.e., Yangzitong ‘A’ belongs to the Sangtams while ‘B’ “belongs to the Sumi village.” The Hoho in a note from its executive stated that Seyochung area consists of eleven villages out of which four are “pure Sumi village,” “one village Sumi-Yimchunger mixed” and “some Sumi-Sangtam joint established villages.” The Hoho also warned that if any consequences arise over this matter, the SASU would be held responsible.
Meanwhile the Hoho has called for a joint conference on July 25. All Sumi organizations under Kiphire district are asked to attend the meeting. They are asked to reach Seyochung by the 24th. The Hoho’s executive will also be holding a meeting on the 24th.
The Kiphire District Sumi Students’ Union has also demanded an unconditional apology from SASU for claiming that Seyochung is purely inhabited and dominated by Sangtams since time immemorial. This has hurt the sentiments of the Sumis in the district, a note from the union stated adding that the word ‘domination’ could ignite grave consequences.
The Yezutu “Village students’ Union while objecting to the claims of the SASU, stated that the town belongs to both the Sumi and the Sangtam communities. It is also not the HQ of the SASU, a note from the Yezutu students stated. If there should be any consulting by any society or organization, then it is Yangzitong (Yezutu) that should be consulted, the students stated.
Meanwhile, landowners of Yezutu ‘A’ and ‘B’ village have asked the Deputy Commissioner of Kiphire to clear the ownership air. They have asked that the DC and SDO (C) come out with “clear and specific official notification” about the ownership of Seyochung to clear doubts and confusion. A note from the GBs of both the Yezutu villages mentioned that “we donated land to the government for development purpose for the betterment of area in general irrespective or tribe and community.” Seyochung town belongs to the Yezutu villages and there is “no objection to any civil societies/organization to have its function at Seyochung town” the GBs stated. However, no organization can claim ownership or HQ under the jurisdiction of Yezutu ‘A’ and ‘B’ they added.
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