Morung Express News
Senapati | December 30
Poumai tribe, in an ultimatum submitted to the Kilo-Kilonser, NSCN-IM on December 16, 2006 has demanded justice on four main issues namely, immediate withdrawal of the bifurcation exercise of Shepoumaramth Region, halt to “annexation” of Poumai villages, revocation of certain orders in 1968 related to a land dispute and finally, the reasons for the murder of one R James Prou of Kodom Khavii by ‘Capt’ Mohongam Tangkhul in Kohima and punishment for the same. The tribe has set January 30, 2007 as dateline for the demands to be met.
In its charter of demands, the tribe demanded that the bifurcation of Shepoumaramth Region for so-called ‘administrative convenience’ be immediately withdrawn and that Status Quo of the region be maintained. The second point demanded stoppage to “annexation” of Poumai villages once and for all and particularly of Thiwa village and withdrawal of all ‘arbitrary’ orders issued by the NSCN (IM). It demanded that the NSCN-IM stop interfering in the matters of Poumai villages. It further demanded revocation of every subsequent orders issued by the NSCN (IM) after the 1968 water diving contest conducted by the court of the President, FGN for Khabung Karong and Maram Khunou land dispute. The fourth point in the ultimatum demanded ‘establishment’ of the motive behind the murder of R James Prou of Kodom Khavii by one ‘Capt.’ Mohongam Tangkhul at Kohima. The ultimatum strongly demanded befitting punishment to the culprit according to the law of land. The ultimatum was signed by ML Markson Matesou, President, D Dailord Pao, General Secretary, Poumai Masou Me, A Dani, President Poumai Tsiidoumai Me, SP Lawrence, President, Leopaona Union, RH Dahrii, President, Chilivai Naga Union and S Veikho, President of Paomata council.
The eight pages ultimatum submitted along with sixty eight pages annexure warned that in the event of failure to deliver justice on the above mentioned matters by January 30, 2007, Poumai tribe will be compelled to implement its general body meeting resolution adopted on October 26, 2006, to recall all Poumai cadres in the NSCN (IM) followed by ‘democratic forms of agitation and non-cooperation to the organization.
Expressing resentment over the bifurcation of Shepoumaramth region, the ultimatum pointed out that in times of aggression such as the Kuki attacks of 1959 in Tahamzam (Senapati) areas, they were given shelter. Many villages such as Rikhumai Taphou, Pudunamai Taphou, Daili, Mahika, Kalapahar, Liyai Kalapahar, Thanamba, Mayangkhang and recently Taphou Phyamai by sending ‘the brave sons of Poumais and Maos’ defended the land during times of aggression it stated. It also pointed out that ‘Shepoumaramth (Mao, Poumai, Maram and Thangal) region is inhabited by four brotherly conglomerated tribes and the said nomenclature is a ‘fruit of a painstaking exercise of public debate, discussion and agreement of the concerned people. The bifurcation and transfer of administrative control of Maram and Thangal areas from Shepoumaramth to “Central Government” by the GPRN in 2003 was against the wishes of the Poumai tribe and other concerned people. Poumais are not against any “administrative reforms” but if Shepoumaramth is to be bifurcated for that reason it should as a result of informed public opinion acceptable to all concerned and not arbitrarily, it stated while citing the representations submitted earlier to the NSCN (IM).
The Poumais felt that behind the silver lining of the peace process, certain quarters of the NSCN are working hard against the natural rights of the Poumai tribe which made the Poumai people feel betrayed, it stated. “Poumai community rendered all possible services towards Nation building by offering our sons and daughters both in National and Social Organizations of the Naga people” it reminded while maintaining that “Poumai land is home to the NSCN from their most crucial and testing time in the formative years.”
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