DIMAPUR, AUGUST 13 (MExN): The Sumi Hoho has urged the Nagaland Government to act immediately and “protect the rights of Kiyevi village” in view of the blockade on the village imposed by the Nagaland Zeliang People Organization (NZPO).
A press release from the Sumi Hoho said that the issue has been deliberately prolonged and dragged to such an extent due to the lackadaisical attitude and negligence of the Government of Nagaland. Such inhuman and unethical treatment meted to the people of Kiyevi village under the nose of the Government of Nagaland by the NZPO is a vivid evidence of the government’s inaction, it said. The Sümi Hoho and all the Sümi frontal organizations firmly endorse and reiterate the decision of the Western Sümi Hoho (WSH), it added.
The Sümi Hoho took serious note with regards to the Commissioner of Nagaland letter dated August 13, 2022, holding up the payment of damage compensation to Kiyevi village under Package III. The Sümi Hoho said it is shocked to note as to “why the legitimate rights of the people of Kiyevi village should be kept on hold in receiving the damage compensation.”
“Holding up the payment by the government is a direct discrimination and depriving the rights of the citizens of Kiyevi village. Hence, the payment of damage compensation should be made immediately to the rightful individuals or groups of Kiyevi village,” it demanded.
“Should any unwanted situation arises due to the failure of the GoN in connection to Kiyevi village issue, the GoN should take full responsibility and the Sümi people shall not be held responsible to whatsoever the situation that may arise,” it cautioned.
WSH rejects Nagaland Commissioner’s letter
The Western Sumi Hoho (WSH) meanwhile rejected the letter from the Nagaland Commissioner to the Deputy Commissioner Chümoukedima/Peren “whereby it has been stated that the matter regarding payment of damage compensation to Kiyevi under package-III maybe kept on hold till further discussion.”
A press release from the WSH said that the “legitimacy of Kiyevi as a recognised village of Nagaland cannot be compromised at all cost and that due payment of damage compensation must be paid to Kiyevi village.” It informed that the WSH “will continue with the ongoing indefinite bandh until the impugned order of the Commissioner Nagaland to Deputy Commissioner Chumoukedima/Peren regarding holding of the payment of damage compensation is revoked in toto.”
CNTC appeals
The Central Nagaland Tribes Council (CNTC) has also appealed to the Government of Nagaland to initiate immediate steps to resolve the ongoing boundary issue between Kiyevi village and Peren district to avoid further social unrest.
The prolonged boundary issue has caused immense hardship and suffering to the people residing in these areas, a press release from the CNTC said. It asked the government to intervene and act before the situation turns volatile.
Lamenting that hostile attitude will only harm the peaceful coexistence between Naga brothers, the CNTC appealed to both the Sumi organizations and Peren civil societies to amicably settle the issue and allow peace to prevail in the land.
