Lamhai village council (LVC) has refuted the claim of Kiyevi village that neither Kiyevi village nor Khehoi village (erstwhile Kiyevi – B village) had ever been a part of Lamhai village.
In a press release, LVC chairman Haibamko and Lamhai village head GB Amezi claimed that Kiavi village was established after taking due permission from Lamhai village. LVC claimed that in 1939, some Sema people numbering 43 people including Kiavi and Lotavi had gone to Lamhai village and approached the leaders for adopting them as their sons and sought permission to establish new village in Lamhai land.
It claimed that visiting people assured to abide by the rules and regulations of the Lamhai people. Further, LVC claimed that Lamhai leaders, after consideration and discussion, decided to donate an area of land with specific boundary: North [Ngeuriezang (Ngeurie Range)], South (Stone Pillar), East (Duilonggo stream till the confluence of Tehai river) and West [Ncuketikpereu (Kalapathar stream) till the confluence of Nkoreu river. During the “adoption meeting”, LVC said Lamhai people “slaughtered one pig and hosted the visitors.”
It claimed that there were even cultural exchange from both Lamhai and Sema community who were part of the delegates to Lamhai village. “The next day the visitors left after being gifted with different agricultural seeds for cultivation by the Lamhai people,” LVC said, adding that such were the relationship between the founders of Kiavi village and Lamhai people during the initial years when they co-existed cordially and peacefully.
LVC, however, expressed shock that present leaders of Kiavi village have “outrightly denied historical facts and failed to acknowledge the land donors who have gifted vast lands for their settlements.” LVC said claim of Kiyevi village being established after taking permission from British authority was “too silly and unbecoming since the Britisher do not possess even an inch of land at Peren district.” LVC said that such kind of “confusing and childish statement” was not expected from responsible leaders.
One recent proof of landownership, LVC said could be found from the fact that ‘No-Objection Certificate’ for establishment of IAF Operational Base Station was sought from landowner Lamhai, adding that land was given willingly on January 3, 2016.
The village council stated that since Kiavi village was established after taking due permission from Lamhai village with clear demarcated boundary, the land above and below Kiavi village belonged only to Lamhai people.
Further, LVC expressed amazement that how could Kiavi village donate Lamhai land to Khehoi for establishment of village. LVC sought to clarify that Kiavi village did not have any authority “to donate or mis-use any area of land beyond their given jurisdiction.”
LVC also warned the GBs of Kiavi village to refrain from making “such malicious and confusing statements to distort historical facts, which may compel the landowner to take steps which may cause untoward incident.”