DIMAPUR, JUNE 15 (MEXN): The decision to expel 26 members and nine households by a village council appears to be causing a rift between two communities in Kiphire, requiring urgent steps for reconciliation of differences.
After Kiphire Deputy Commissioner N Hangsing passed a judgment order [No. DC/KPE/JUDL 06-07/223-32], the Seyochung Village Council met on June 12 and passed the decision which came into effect the next day.
The village council cited that the 26 citizens were found to be disrespecting ‘village rules and regulations, traditions and customs’ and that they had not complied with the government judgment.
The exact details of the judgment could not be obtained. The Deputy Commissioner was also unavailable for comment.
The nine households that have been directed to leave the jurisdiction of the village w.e.f. June 13 have been given a period of 7 days to do so. However, in the event of reconciliation, they “may apply for regular citizenship within the same period” and they would be granted citizenship as per the village’s rules and customs.
In the case of non compliance to the village resolution and order, the council warned that after the expiry of the stipulated 7 days, “the citizens of Seyochung village will have no other option, but to drive them out with physical force as deemed fit, in order to preserve and safeguard the Seyochung village unity and integrity.”
Reacting sharply to the decision, the Kiphire District Sumi Students’ Union and the Kiphire District Sumi Hoho has termed the move as a clear “violation of basic human rights” and has urged upon the district administration to ensure the safety of the Sumi community. They have also requested that the June 12 decision be revoked immediately.
According to the Sumi organizations, the decision is in contravention to the order of the district administration, “directing both the parties to live in peace and harmony.” Friction first appeared in 2004 when the Seyochung Village Students’ Union, in its annual session, directed all its members to wear “Sangtam traditional shawls” or otherwise face a fine of Rs 25, say the Sumi bodies. “Therefore the Sumis refused to participate in the programme since the student body is comprised of both tribes.”
“We respect the Sangtams of Seyochung Village, at the same time the same courtesy must be extended to us not only in terms of Naga customs and traditions but also in terms of the rule of law. Seyochung Sumis cannot be compelled to attend the Sangtam Church, wear Sangtam traditional attires, speak in Sangtam language or be members of Sangtam Students’ Union of Seyochung Village.”
In a press communiqué, the Sumi bodies further stated that members of their community were being subjected to injustices in the village despite the fact that Seyochung Village was jointly established by both tribes in the later part of the nineteenth century with two khels respectively named Sumi sa and Tisho sa.
“With the advent of Christianity, a Church was set up in the late 1940’s. The Church was affiliated to Sema Baptist Akukuhou Kukhakulu (SBAK), in other words the Sumi Baptist Churches Association and the said association deputed pastor from time to time. In the year 1986 due to increase in the number of Sangtam tribe, the affiliation was switched over to United Sangtam Baptist Lithro Ashimukhong (USBLA).”
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