CVLU condemns Maova VC’s actions; backs CPO response

Chathe Valley Landholders Union (CVLU), under Tsüüma Village jurisdiction, has strongly condemned the actions of the Maova Village Council on February 13, 2026, and extended full support for the “retaliatory measures” taken by the Chakhroma Public Organization (CPO).
In a press release, Chathe Valley Landholders Union alleged that the incident was a continuation of Maova Village Council’s long-standing disregard for the rights of Naga landholders, perpetuated through the enforcement of what it termed as “Kuki customary law.” According to CVLU, this practice has been used as a tool of hostility since the 1990s, leading to harassment, discrimination, and violence against Naga landholders.
The union cited past incidents, when one of its members purchased land along with a building in Maova Village in 1995. However, in 1996, after dismantling the existing house to construct a better facility, the village GB allegedly seized the land, claiming that ownership had lapsed once the building was dismantled under Kuki customary law.
Further, CVLU alleged that labourers have been assaulted, construction obstructed, fish ponds destroyed, and settlement banned on private property. It also accused the Village Council’s GB and family of erecting illegal structures on Naga-owned land.
The union also alleged that Naga landholders in the Chathe Valley, within the vicinity of Maova Village, have faced persistent harassment in recent years.
According to CVLU, labourers working on these lands have been physically assaulted, construction of fences and structures obstructed, and even fish ponds destroyed. It further claimed that the Maova Village Council has imposed a blanket ban on landholders settling on their own property, citing what it termed as “unique Kuki customary law.”
The union also alleged that the Village Council’s GB and his family had erected illegal structures on members’ private property with the apparent intention of encroachment under the pretext of the same customary law.
CVLU stated that despite numerous efforts by landholders to resolve the matter through dialogue with the Maova Village Council, all attempts have failed. It added that multiple complaints have been formally submitted to the administration and local law enforcement agencies.
Despite repeated complaints and a Dobashi Court ruling in 2021 affirming the rights of landholders, CVLU claimed that Maova VC continued to enforce its practices in defiance of the order.
The union also rejected statements made by the Maova VC chairman in media reports on February 14 and 15, calling them misleading and filled with misinformation.
CVLU condemned the February 13 incident where CPO president and his team were allegedly mishandled by Maova youth and women while attempting to meet the Village Council leaders. It described the act as unwarranted aggression and unacceptable.
Highlighting what it termed as “insurmountable differences” between the Naga people and the Kukis of Maova, CVLU suggested that the Kukis of Maova Village consider relocating to restore peace and harmony in Nagaland.
The union called upon the Government of Nagaland and relevant authorities to take immediate and decisive action to safeguard the rights and interests of the Naga people and ensure justice is delivered.