DIMAPUR, MARCH 21 (MExN): The Nagaland Timber Traders Union (NTTU) has accused Adwa Zeliang, a Gaonbura (GB) from Samziuram village in Peren district, of breaching an agreement and deceiving one of its members in a timber transaction. The union has urged the district administration to take immediate action against him.
According to the NTTU, Zeliang entered into an agreement with Ropfukhrielie Kesiyie, a member of the union, on December 9, 2024, regarding the purchase and felling of teak trees. Under the terms of the agreement, Kesiyie paid Rs 3,00,000 for the teak trees and an additional Rs 30,000 for the felling and loading charges. However, the NTTU has alleged that Kesiyie was "deceived and cheated" as it was later discovered that Zeliang did not own the teak trees in question.
The matter escalated on January 27, 2025, when the brother of Dr. Engam Pamei allegedly arrived at the site and forcibly stopped the felling of the trees. The NTTU stated that this individual also took possession of the keys to four trucks belonging to Kesiyie. The union said that, despite repeated requests, three of these trucks have not yet been returned to their owner.
On March 8, 2025, Advocate Zhasakhoto Vüprü of Vüprü & Associates, representing Kesiyie, served a legal notice to Zeliang demanding the immediate return of the three trucks still in his possession, the full refund of Rs 3,30,000 paid by Kesiyie for the timber and related costs, and payment of holding charges for the trucks, which amounts to Rs 4,000 per day for each vehicle from January 27, 2025, until the trucks and their keys are returned.
The legal notice stated that Zeliang had seven days from the date of receipt of the notice to comply with these demands. It further warned that failure to do so would compel Kesiyie to take legal action, which could include filing a police complaint, initiating a civil suit for recovery, and seeking damages for the inconvenience caused. The notice emphasized that it was issued in good faith to protect the interests of the client and urged Zeliang to give immediate attention to the matter.
Beyond the legal action cited in the notice, the NTTU has affirmed that it will take all necessary steps to safeguard the rights and interests of its members. The union has also appealed to the deputy commissioner of Peren to intervene in the matter. It has urged the authorities to take immediate action against Zeliang, who, according to the NTTU, also claims to be the vice president of the Nagaland GB Association. The union alleged that Zeliang's actions have tarnished the image of the district administration and the government, accusing him of swindling people through fraudulent means.
