TTC condemns Kiphire violence, seeks probe and compensation

DIMAPUR, OCT 10 (NPN): The Tikhir Tribal Council (TTC) has condemned the reported incidents of violence, vandalism, killing and burning of houses during the celebration of the Tikhir Tsonglaknyi festival at Zaonger and Longtsunger villages.
In a statement, jointly issued by Tikhir Tribal Council president R.T. Kius, executive chairman S. Moa Tikhir, general secretary Wongsuthong and secretary R.K. Tsuthong, the council said the reported incidents ran contrary to peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and brotherhood between the Tikhir and Yimkhiung communities.
The council said cultural festivals should not cause any loss or prejudice to another community and that differences over land or other matters should be resolved through dialogue and established legal and administrative mechanisms.
The council said attacks on people, destruction of property and disruption of cultural and religious observances could not resolve land disputes or establish legitimate ownership. It warned that such incidents could deepen mistrust and create resentment between the two communities.
Recalling that the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) had declared Eastern Nagaland a Peace Zone in the interest of peaceful coexistence, Tikhir Tribal Council said the reported incidents during the festival went against the spirit of brotherhood and the region’s peace initiatives and directives of the ENPO.
The council urged right thinking citizens to condemn such heinous and barbaric acts and called on law enforcement agencies and the administration to conduct a prompt, impartial and transparent investigation and book those responsible under relevant laws.
Reaffirming its commitment to resolving inter-community disputes through peaceful dialogue, historical understanding and constitutional and legal processes, TTC said it would continue to safeguard the rights, dignity, security and cultural identity of the Tikhir people.
The council also urged the state government to provide immediate relief and ex-gratia assistance to the families of the deceased and injured, besides compensating those who lost houses and property to facilitate their rehabilitation.