Dimapur, June 27 (MExN): Sumi organizations in Kiphire today issued separate statements demanding clarifications over the Seyochung issue and related events.
The Sumi Union Seyochung Area (SUSA) condemning in strongest term the statement of Seyochung Area Student Union (SASU) in a rejoinder which appeared on June 26in the local media.
A note from the SUSA stated that SASU’s claim on Seyochung headquarters as its area and its headquarters will compel the Sumis to take any course of action. The SASU is asked to substantiate their claim. Several points were mentioned demanding reply from the SASU i.e., ‘who owns the SDO (Civil) administrated Seyochung town, to which tribe does Shothumi (A), Shothumi (B), Phisami, Lukhami and Yangzitong (B) villages in Seyochung Area belong,’ and ‘specify the name of the villages affiliated to SASU.’
Kiphire District Sumi Hoho (KDSH) and Kiphire District Sumi Students Union (KDSSU) also, in a joint statement demanded clarification on several points. Referring to the Seyochung Village Council’s statement that 26 Sumi members were expelled, the two Sumi bodies “logically it implies to 26 households” since the members were all heads of families. On the issue of four VGs not being paid their salaries since June 2006, the statement pointed out that the village authority is not authorized to ‘draw” even if the VG personnel are not performing their duties. It matter should be reported to the Deputy Commandant of the VGs, the joint statement added.
Further regarding the May 24 meeting of ‘reconciliation’ as reported in the media, the two Sumi bodies clarified that “it was just an emergency meeting not a reconciliation meet.”
The secretary of the Sumi community of Seyochung also issued a statement in regard to the SASU media release on June 22 “accusing us as adopted descendents.” In this regard, the secretary Phutoi Sumi asked the SASU executive to “bring proof and evidence in support of your claim and when we ask you.” In connection with the Deputy Commissioner’s order, the secretary stated that “since it does not guarantee/safeguard the legitimate rights of the Sumis, the Sumi community submitted a ‘letter of non-acceptance of order’ on May 15.” As a follow-up another representation was submitted to the DC of Kiphire on the 30th “to examine our genuine case.” The DC, however, did not take up the matter therefore there was no obligation to attend the 12 May meeting, the secretary added.
The Morung Express
In conformity with kind appeals made – including by the Deputy Commissioner of Kiphire on June 20, 2007 – against issuing further statements from the two contending parties over the Seyochung village issue, The Morung Express would like to inform all in concern that it shall not facilitate any further statement/media release from either of the two sides over the particular issue. The Morung Express makes clear that this decision is taken with clear objectives to creating an ambience for conflict-resolution and peace-building, respecting the reality that polarized counter-statements would aggravate the issue all the more. We appeal for understanding and to bear with the decision.
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