Dimapur, September 4 (MExN): Referring to a reported clarification issued by the chairman of Tesophenyu Village Council over a meeting of the Tesophenyu Group Union held August 30, the latter has issued a response refuting several points of contention.
A note from the union’s executive and VCCs termed as ‘blatant lie’ and ‘mislead’ that the meeting was held without the knowledge of the council and public. The group clarified hat a notice for the meeting was served on August 28 to all village council chairmen, GBs, VCMs, TGU presidents/ office bearers of Tseminyu, Kohima, Chumukedima, Dimapur city and intending candidates.
Further, the group stated, Tesophenyu or Tashuki-a traditionally is a single village with common socio-cultural and traditional ties, history, customs and practices. With the advent of Christianity and passage of time, the village was expanded to four villages namely, Ziphenyu, Tesophenyu (new), Siwanu including the parent village. Maintaining that the ‘same blood runs’ in these people, the group asserted that chairman Hontheni is trying to divide and segregate bonafide citizens of Tesophenyu or Tashuki-a group and this is treacherous, liable for prosecution under customary laws.
Asserting that majority decision prevails and chairman Hontheni cannot hold to ransom the decision of the group, the TGPU dared the chairman to select his candidate as consensus “if there are any followers.” The group further claimed that the chairman is “ignorant and illiterate” so there must be some vested interests who are trying to disintegrate the group’s unity. The group has cautioned against any such move.
