TGBA clarifies position on FNTA member issue

DIMAPUR: The Tikhir GBs Association (TGBA) has strongly objected to a statement made by its general secretary, A.P. Tsupan, in the print and digital media, claiming that the signature of TGBA president L.Y. Tokim appended during the September 1, 2026 meeting did not represent the association.
In a clarification, TGBA vice-presidents T. Tsangli and P. Tsintsumong, and assistant general secretaries T. Khiungju and Mongtsen said Tsupan, along with two others from Thonoknyu village, had served a non-cooperation letter to the Tikhir Tribal Council (TTC) on July 25, which was duly acknowledged and accepted by the TGBA.
The association said Tsupan’s subsequent statements made in the name of the TGBA were therefore “misleading” and had no basis. It said his declaration of non-cooperation with the TTC was contrary to the TGBA’s collective position and principles, and accused him of making “self-centred and unfounded statements” that could confuse the Tikhir public and Nagas at large.
TGBA said that following Tsupan’s declaration of non-cooperation, which it described as contrary to the organisational code of conduct and its principle of working collectively for unity and peace, the association had decided not to entertain him in organisational activities until there was a favourable response and a change in his approach towards collective tribal interests.
The association said its president, L.Y. Tokim, after due deliberation and consultation with association officials, appended his signature on September 1 at Kiusam headquarters during a meeting convened by the TTC under the leadership of P. Timong.
The meeting, it said, was attended by representatives of frontal organisations, GBs, village councils, elders and Tikhir intellectuals.
According to the TGBA, the gathering unanimously reaffirmed the decision taken on March 10, 2026, to select Mark Morakiu as the interim member to the Frontier Naga Territorial Authority (FNTA) from the Tikhir tribe.
It said the decision was a collective reaffirmation of the earlier resolution and could not be construed as an individual decision of the TGBA president.
Tikhir GBs Association said Tsupan’s exclusion from the deliberative process preceding the meeting was due to his previously declared position of non-cooperation. It said his statements appeared to stem from a personal position rather than the collective decision and interest of the association and the Tikhir people.
The association issued the clarification for the information of the Tikhir public, competent authorities and the public at large, stating that its decisions were taken collectively and in accordance with the larger interests of the Tikhir people.
Tikhir GBs Association reiterated its commitment to unity, peace, collective responsibility and the greater good of the tribe over individual interests.