Morung Express News
Kohima | July 3
The Additional Advocate General (AG) of Nagaland, on July 3, has informed the Gauhati High Court Kohima Bench that the State Government would be submitting an affidavit detailing the steps taken in response to the recommendations made by the 'One Man Enquiry Committee' regarding a dispute in Seyochung village, Kiphire.
The parties involved in the dispute had approached the Court by filing writ petitions as well as a contempt petition.
As per the Court’s records, the case pertains to “certain dispute” in Seyochung village amongst two tribes i.e. Sumi and Sangtam “relating to claim of customary rights of the original inhabitance of the village and the contesting parties approached this Court by filing writ petitions.”
The Committee had earlier recommended two alternative options regarding the dispute.
During the hearing of the contempt petition on May 2, the Court directed the Additional AG to obtain instructions on the further actions taken by the Administration regarding the 1st option recommended by the Committee.
The Additional AG was also instructed to seek guidance on whether the Administration can relocate the displaced Sumis to suitable lands promptly.
The State Chief Secretary was also directed to apprise the court about the availability of suitable land in Kiphire district or any other district of Nagaland for the settlement of the displaced Sumis.
Among others, the 1st option suggested for providing security protection; provided they prepare to go back to their village to the displaced Sumi community.
Besides, it called for exploring ways and means to locate separate Sumi ‘Khel’ within the village area.
Separate worship place for Sumi community should be established for free expression in their own dialect during worship without changing village polity, culture customary law, VDB, village council, etc, it added.
The second option recommended for settling down displaced community elsewhere but retaining certain privileges such backward certificate, e-roll, grant immediate cash relief etc.
Meanwhile, considering the submission of the Additional AG on Monday, Justice Kardak Ete scheduled the matter for further hearing after four weeks to allow the former to file an appropriate application, providing details of the steps taken by the State Government.
