Five tribal hohos— Pomai Hoho Dimapur (PHD); Mao Hoho Dimapur (MHD); Tangkhul Hoho Dimapur (THD); Western Chakhesang Hoho (WCH) and Rengma Hoho Dimapur (RHD)— have urged the Ao Senso Telogjem Dimapur (ASTD) and Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) to explain their stand on the May 6, 2021 MoU on or before August 12, 2021, failing which they cautioned to take their own course of action for redressal.
In a joint press release, the presidents of five hohos—Jotham (PHD), John Kape (MHD), Ayo Vashum (THD), Z Kepfelhou Koza (WCH) and Wanthang (RHD)—sought to explain why some tribal councillors were rejected and how an MoU was signed between the two contending groups initiated by ASTD.
The signatories said that MoU was signed by two contending parties of NCD under the aegis of ASTD with mutual trust and reconciliation between the two contending parties to end the crises. However, they said that no action been has been taken till date.
They have accused ASTD of “deliberately” walking away instead of implementing the MoU and trying to divide the NCD with ulterior motives.
As per NCD constitution, the signatories said the councillors were selected/nominated by respective tribal bodies, adding that NCD had no authority to reject or retain. They also said that selection of councillors was the sole responsibility of the respective tribes.
However, they said that the present NCD officials blatantly violated the NCD constitution by refusing the tribal mandated and nominated councillors. “Rejection of tribal representative Councillors amounts to an insult of the tribes,” the signatories remarked.