Seyochung Village Council (SVC) has responded to Seyochung Village Sumi Community (SVSC)’s reaction to its resolution adopted on March 10, 2016.
In a press release, Seyochung village Hd. GB Chothrise Sangtam and SVC chairman Chokhaba Sangtam clarified that on January 29, 2008 “the so called Sumi of Seyochung village” left the village on their own will, which, they claimed, was also verified by the district administration.
The signatories further maintained since the inception of Seyochung village there was only Sangtam community.
SVC claimed that “the so called SVSC chairman Hokugha was a retired drawing teacher, who is now permanently settled at D.C Ward Kiphire Town”, adding that even his own house and plot of land at Seyochung village was sold to Tsipicho Sangtam of Seyochung Village now settled at Thsingar Village and even his allotted fields at Seyochung village were already sold out before this issue arise.
Therefore, SVC said he did not own a single plot of land/ field or property to be claimed.
According to SVC, Eastern Sumi Hoho visited Seyochung village March 10, 2016 without any prior information and when sought clarification about their sudden visit by Village elders, they responded to have intimated to the district administration. However, SVC said they informed the district administration only after visiting the village.
With regard to the dismantling of abandoned house, SVC said the house, which was vacated long before the issue came up, was on the verge of collapse, even the roofs were also blown up by the strong wind on the night of March 1, 2016 posing threat to life of villagers.
Therefore, SVC said the general public dismantled the house for the safety of the villagers.
Further, SVC clarified that seven individuals who left the village on their own violation were presently residing at Seyochung Town and the rest were residing in different towns and villages.
As per customary law and practices, SVC said those who left the village on their own would have no rights to claim any privileges. “Any ancestral property allotted to them shall be owned by their God Father,” SVC said, adding that to safeguard and preserve the integrity of the village, it adopted a resolution.
Meanwhile, SVC also submitted a letter to the deputy commissioner (DC) Kiphire giving clarification with regard to four-point charter of demands by Eastern Sumi Hoho.