Dimapur, August 20 (MExN): The Western Sümi Hoho (WSH) today "vehemently" rejected what it termed "false and misleading claims" by the Nagaland Zeliang People Organisation (NZPO) and Lamhai Village Council (LVC) regarding the laying of the foundation stone for the Aqahuto EAC HQ in Zutovi village, Chümoukedima District.
"We denounce NZPO and LVC's blatant attempts to mislead the public and distort facts, which have been unequivocally established," the WSH stated in a rejoinder to an NZPO press statement published on August 20.
According to the WSH, the foundation stone was laid within Zutovi's jurisdiction, a village with a "well-established history dating back to 1948, predating Nagaland's Statehood, with the full consent and participation of the village authorities."
This irrefutably affirms the "location's legitimacy and renders claims of encroachment on Lamhai land entirely baseless and malicious," it stated.
The WSH further asserted that the Aqahuto area falls under Chümoukedima district, not Peren, contrary to what it called NZPO and LVC's "deliberate misinformation."
Accordingly, it stated that the question of Aqahuto being under "Lamhai doesn't arise" and demanded that NZPO and LVC "cease spreading falsehoods and verify facts to avoid confusing the public."
In addition, the WSH pointed out that Aqahuto has "existed since time immemorial, encompassing villages like Shokhuvi (established in 1926), Kiyevi (established in 1939), Pimla (established in 1954), and Zutovi (established in 1948)."
Some of these villages predate Indian Independence and Nagaland statehood, it added.
The WSH also "recalled" the Chief Minister's unequivocal assurance during the Chümoukedima district inauguration regarding the EAC HQ for Aqahuto.
"This commitment, made before various stakeholders, reinforces our confidence in the project's legitimacy," it added.
To this end, the WSH reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to Aqahuto's development, undeterred by "baseless demands and malicious allegations" and urged the Nagaland Government to expedite the EAC HQ's construction.
This would greatly benefit Aqahuto and surrounding areas, driving regional development and strengthening community ties, it added.
