The Western Sümi Hoho (WSH) has rejected “the false and misleading claims” made by the Nagaland Zeliang People’s Organisation (NZPO) and Lamhai Village Council (LVC) regarding the foundation stone laying for the Aqahuto EAC headquarters at Zutovi village, Chümoukedima district.
In a statement, WSH denounced the NZPO and LVC’s attempts to mislead the public and distort facts, which had been unequivocally established. WSH claimed that the foundation stone was laid within the jurisdiction of Zutovi village that had a well-established history dating back to 1948, predating Nagaland’s statehood, with the full consent and participation of the village authorities, thereby irrefutably affirming the location’s legitimacy and rendering claims of encroachment on Lamhai land entirely baseless and malicious.
Further, the hoho asserted that Aqahuto area fell under Chümoukedima district and not Peren, contrary to NZPO and LVC’s deliberate misinformation. Hence, it reasoned that the question of Aqahuto being under Lamhai did not arise, demanding that the two bodies cease spreading falsehoods and verify facts to avoid confusing the public.
WSH noted that Aqahuto had existed since time immemorial, encompassing villages like Shokhuvi (established in 1926), Kiyevi (1939), Zutovi (1948), and Pimla (1954), some of which predated Indian Independence and Nagaland statehood.
Referring to the chief minister’s unequivocal assurance during Chümoukedima district’s inauguration where it was assured of an EAC HQ for Aqahuto, the hoho stated asserted that this commitment made before various stakeholders reinforced its confidence in the project’s legitimacy.
The hoho reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to Aqahuto’s development, undeterred by baseless demands and malicious allegations, urging the state government to expedite the EAC HQs’ construction that would greatly benefit Aqahuto and surrounding areas, driving regional development and strengthening community ties.