A nine-member team of Nagaland Tribes Council (NTC), led by its president Lendinokdang undertook a visit to Tuensang on February 13 and held meetings with leaders of the Chang Tribal Hoho (CKS) at Tuensang and with Yimchungrü Tribal Council (YTC) leaders and public at Shamator Sub-division where it had appealed to both the tribes to stop any form of violence and instead seek an amicable settlement to the issues.
According to NTC media cell, the communal/tribal clash between Chang and Yimchungrü tribes has become a matter of serious concern for the citizens of Nagaland. The media cell said NTC had undertaken the visit since making observations and viewing the situation form a distant and issuing statement or two on the ongoing incidents was considered inadequate.
According to the media cell, NTC team saw how properties were burnt down and damaged both at Tuensang town and Saddle Village some days ago. While still at Tuensang town, NTC said one teenage Chang boy was kidnapped and murdered. Also during on the same day, agitated mob had ransacked the D.C’s office that led to blank firing by Police to disperse the mob and in the melee, three civilians suffered injuries.
In the light of above, NTC has issued its statement and recommendations: 1. NTC vehemently condemns all such barbarous acts of both the tribes of Chang and Yimchungrü resulting into loss of precious lives. The NTC totally disapproves the culture of kidnap of unprotected citizens, threat to life and senseless destruction of hard-earned landed properties as all such acts are alien to Christian culture. It is nothing less than foolishness for anyone to revive the tradition of headhunting.
2. The two combating tribes must no longer remain individualistic but realize how much damage of their barbaric cultures have caused to the image of the two tribes including the rest of the other Naga tribes in Nagaland. This kind of culture is no more acceptable in the civilized society. The NTC therefore implores upon the two tribes to respect and listen to other fellow Naga brothers who are all talking to them with sense of love and longing for peaceful coexistence.
Observations: 1. Had not the Govt. of Nagaland been suffering from complacency, the dispute in question would have been peacefully resolved in good time.
2. Allowing a mere inter-village dispute, to be lucid, an old land dispute between a Chang Village and a Yimchungrü Village to grow into the present dimension engulfing the two tribes into communal colour is most unfortunate. Nevertheless, there is a ray of hope since none is adverse to solution. Yet, when any solution when pursue must be of permanence in nature rather than temporary.
3. It should now be the endeavour of all concern that the ongoing conflict does not become infectious beyond Tuensang District.
4. Out of the conflict, sizeable population of our people is being displaced and who are now without shelter but dependent on well-wishers for shelter and food. It is the bounden duty of the concerned State authority to provide relief camp with basic amenities to the suffering citizens without delay.
NTC has expressed gratitude to DC Tuensang, his colleagues and all concerned leaders for their cooperation extended during the goodwill mission.
Protect interest of students: DoSE
Describing the recent unrest in Tuensang as “very disturbing”, the director of School Education Wednesday said it was painful to witness that the violence led to loss of the lives of the innocent school children, Chongma and Ramji Chingmak of Cl-IX, both students of St. Joseph’s School, Tuensang.
In a press release, director of School Education (DoSE) Zaveyi Nyekha said children were bearing the brunt of “this unfortunate fratricidal incident”, adding that it was causing great hardship to the students especially those who were appearing their examinations. In the light of these happenings, Nyekha appealed to all warring leaders, intellectuals and public in general to shun “this vicious cycle of animism and protect the interest of our students.” He said the department was willing to extend all possible help and support in any way, but asserted that students should be allowed to study in their respective schools without any fear or apprehension.
According to DoSE, due to the unfortunate happenings, fear psychosis in children has risen to high levels, causing detrimental consequences for their future. School education director asserted the children of Tuensang area should be given opportunities at par with any other students in the rest of the state. “They deserve and have every right to live and learn in a peaceful and amicable atmosphere,” said Nyekha.
Further, expressing concern over the neighbouring Chang and Yimchungrü communities especially the students who were also in a vulnerable situation in this time of crisis, DoSE appealed to the concerned groups and parties to amicably compromise at the earliest for the welfare of our upcoming generation.
He expressed hope that good Christian sense prevail over “our emotions” and “give peace a chance” so that children could grow and live to see another day.
Meanwhile, DoSE conveyed condolences to the families of students killed and prayed “Lord our comforter bring solace to their families at this time of pain and loss.”
Thursday, April 2, 2026