Through this column we would like to bring forth the true fact about the inter clan crisis in Changki Village to the esteem readers.
That since the inception of Changki Ayim Asem Senso Mungdang (CAASM), the membership fees were collected from every adult person, which is a common and customary practice as per the Ao socio-customary and religious customs.However, such customary practices were changed all of a sudden, when the CAASM adopted a new policy in 2001 for the collection of membership from individual to clan wise.
That the CAASM meeting dated 25-10-01 decided that Changkija clan headed by (Late) Tajenyuba the then Chairman of Changki Village Council was to be called “Changkiri”clan,and the clan headed by Lanutemsü was held to be called “Emrem Changki.” The crux of the inter clan crisis in Changki village rest behind this resolution.
That the migratory history of Changki says that on the forefathers’ en-route to the Changki, a baby girl was born on the way.Thereby, the sojourners constructed a temporary hut in which the baby was born, and named the baby girl “Imkichala” which means “house built by villager.” Henceforth the Changkiri clan added a suffix “Emrem” meaning “on the midway.”
Shocked by this unexpected event by naming Changkiri clan as “Emrem Changki,” the Changkiri clan preferred the matter before the court of ADC (J), Mokokchung. During its Emergency General Meeting on 18-19 January 2002, the CAASM forcibly wanted the case to be withdrawn. But having failed this, ultimately declared that in the event of the members of Changkiri clan losing the case, appropriate action that may deem fit by CAASM would be taken against the Changkiri clan.
Thereafter, the CAASM represented by its President Shri Imlimeren GB, Amri clan, and late Tajenyuba GB representing Changkija alias Changkiri clan who was also the then Chairman of Changki Village Council, contested the case before the various courts, and finally ended after dismissal of the case preferred by the party led by late Tajenyuba GB in the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India (Case No. Special Leave to Appeal (Civil) No. (s) 24476/2005) Order Dated 09-12-2005.
Thus having lost the case in all available appellate forums in the country, the CAASM and Changki Village Council by denouncing the lawful authority of the judiciary as well as the executive authority of the Government, claiming the protection under Article 371(A) of the Constitution of India, thus justifying their illegal action against the members of Changkiri clans ostracized people:
1. Barred from jhum and terrace cultivation.
2. Prohibited from all public road.
3. Prohibited to fetch water from the village community well.
4. Prohibited from making purchases in all shops and trades in the village.
5. All shops run by Changkiri clan were forcibly ordered closed.
6. No interaction with the rest of the villagers in social activities.
7. Prevented from attending funerals of other clans and vice-versa.
This crisis has stunned the entire Ao community. Restrictions imposed by CAASM on the Changkiri clan has never happened in the Ao community, and this was strongly opposed as anti-Ao Social and Customary practices. Having seen the pathetic condition, the ABAM, AKM, Watsü Mungdang, and the Ao Senden, the apex body, tried to restore the crisis in true Christian spirit and reconciliation. Despite all efforts, the CAASM and Changki Village Council continued to remain adamant. As a matter of fact, the Ao Senden resolved to denounce CAASM from Ao community. In the meantime, the Changkiri clan submitted their CAASM membership fees through D.C., Mokokchung which was received by two GBs from Changki village on 06-11-06. However, it was returned back by the two GBs with their noting dated 04-12-06 stating that CAASM refused to accept the membership fees.
Members of Changkiri clan finally applied for execution of the Judgement & Decree of the Court Execution Case No.1 of 2007 .Thereupon, the executing court directed the DC and SP, Mokokchung to implement the court’s order.However, the executive authority of the Government could not do nothing when the CAASM and Changki Village Council persistently refused to comply with the lawful orders of the court. That, so far 19 members of Changkiri clan have been expelled from the village including women and minors.
At last that CAASM and Changki Village council confessed their erroneous statement and publication against the Ao Senden on July 29, 2011.After long deliberation, the Ao Senden, finally accepted CAASM and Changki Village Council. The Ao Senden warned them not to create further problems in Changki Village. However, the meeting with the Ao Senden was just to cover up the CAASM’s hypocritical gesture, and continued to harass the Changkiri clan.
Unable to bear the inhuman treatment imposed by the CAASM, and various actions.Therefore, resolved to petition before the authority of NSCN/GPRN for their intervention and to bring about peace and harmony among the inter clan crisis in Changki village.
Therefore, this few facts will surely remain enlightened in the confused mind of every rational reader.
Mr.Imtajenba GB
Mr.Temjenmeren Ex GB.
