Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, MAY 27 (NPN): Chakhroma Youth Organisation (CYO) on Wednesday reaffirmed that its banishment order against three leaders of Maova village remained firmly in force and warned that continued defiance could lead to serious consequences.
It may be noted that Chakhroma Youth Organisation on March 19, 2026 issued a banishment order against Maova village chairman Sutminlal Vaiphei, head GB Seiboi Changsang and ex-chairman Paoboi Changsang, directing them to leave Chakhroma jurisdiction within 30 days.
Addressing a press conference at Chakhroma Public Organisation (CPO) Hall, CYO president Medochüzo Medoze said the organisation had exercised restraint for weeks in deference to appeals from elders, parent bodies and in the interest of maintaining peace and harmony among Naga communities.
He said while CYO had chosen not to act immediately after expiry of the deadline, continued inaction was being taken advantage of by the concerned individuals.
“This is not a joke. We have waited for so many days. Misunderstandings are even arising among our own youth because of the delay. We are trying to maintain peace, but our patience will not last much longer,” he warned.
Medoze cautioned that if the banishment order continued to be ignored, consequences could extend beyond the three individuals and warned that because of three individuals the whole village may suffer.
He also said the organisation had refrained from taking traditional action out of respect for the law of the land and the government, but warned that if youth sentiment escalated there was risk of violence.
“We are waiting because we respect the government and our elders. But if we are forced to act under customary law, the situation may go out of control,” he said.
CYO advisor Seyieneilhou Keyho said the relationship between Chakhroma people and settlers of Maova village was built over generations on mutual understanding and respect.
“This relationship did not fall from the sky. Our forefathers built it. But today, the new generation seems to have forgotten these foundations,” he said.
He alleged that the present leadership of Maova village had disregarded traditional agreements, shown disrespect to elders and repeatedly tested the patience of the community.
Keyho reiterated that despite the issue being largely customary in nature, the organisation had continued to respect government authority and refrained from taking direct action.
“We are still waiting, treating them like our own children, hoping they will realise their mistakes. But our youth are growing impatient,” he warned.
He also appealed to neighbouring villages to intervene constructively and help resolve the matter.
CYO associate member Visako Angami alleged that Maova village had remained non-compliant with administrative and judicial directives since the 1980s, including ignoring recommendations by district authorities and court judgments.
He urged the state government to take strict measures, including suspension of GBs, halting development funds and de-recognition of the village.
“We want to avert a crisis, which is why we are appealing to the government now. But we cannot wait forever,” he warned.
CYO executive member Vitsikolie Kehie said repeated provocation had compelled the organisation to clarify its position publicly.
“Our patience should not be mistaken for weakness. We can feel the pulse of our youth, and if this continues, it may go out of control,” he cautioned.
Kehie said all avenues for peaceful settlement had been exhausted and urged people of Maova village to acknowledge historical realities to avoid escalation.
He maintained that CYO would no longer remain a mute spectator and would resort to every possible customary and traditional provision to protect its land.
CYO associate member Sedevikho Angami said the issue should not be seen as communal and maintained that the focus remained strictly on the three individuals accused of instigating the conflict.
“We have not made this a community issue. We are focusing only on those responsible,” he said.
He added that multiple mechanisms for resolution, including dialogue through CPO and administrative channels, had failed.
Meanwhile, responding to queries on FIRs filed by the three individuals, CYO vice president Sedevilie Angami said the organisation was not concerned by such actions.
He alleged that the FIRs were an attempt to defame the organisation and asserted that the banishment order would not be withdrawn.
“They can file 10 or 20 FIRs. It does not change our stand. The banishment order will not be withdrawn,” he said.
He also claimed that Maova village was not the native land of the Kukis and alleged that customary laws and demarcated boundaries had been violated.
Sedevilie later clarified that CYO would not issue any deadline to the government and expressed hope that the authorities would act quickly.