Dimapur, August 23 (MExN): The tense situation in Kiphire between the Sangtam and Yimchunger communities remains a focus of concern, with appeals for peace from the Baptist church and a “goodwill team” from the Nagaland government characterizing the past 24 hours.
The Nagaland Baptist Church Council has expressed concern at the mounting tensions between the Sangtam and Yimchunger communities in Kiphire district. The council has called for peace. Also, legislators “on behalf of the state government” are in Kiphire district, meeting with Yimchunger and Sangtam tribal organizations. The district is in tensions following issues that were roused earlier this month, associated with ownership of land. The issue of ownership of land broke out following the government announcing the Kiphire road show which was scheduled to be held in Pungro town, earlier this month. “The present decade, 2000-2010, is a decade of peace and reconciliation.
It is therefore, envisaged that every individuals and communities would bid goodbye to bloodshed and any form of violence and settle various disputes and issues in Christian ways of forgiveness and restore mutual caring relationship in the society,” stated the NBCC in a message today.
“We earnestly urge both the communities to use peaceful means to resolve the longstanding issue.” The Baptist organization also urged all churches to pray earnestly for an early “restoration” of peace, trust and goodwill among the Sangtam and Yimchungru communities. The NBCC also urged all authorities in concern to involve in peace-building activities that will promote a society free from violence, fear, hatred and mistrust. “We appreciate the Nagaland Government for its endeavor to defuse the tense situation and urge upon the Government to continue the effort by resolving the issue amicably through negotiation,” it added.
“Eastern” legislators meet NGOs in Kiphire
Also, Legislators “on behalf of the state government” are in Kiphire district, meeting with Yimchunger and Sangtam tribal organizations. The district is in communal tension following issues that were roused earlier this month, associated with ownership of land.
Eight members of “Eastern Nagaland Legislative Union” (ENLU) led by Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Development Pangnyu Phom arrived today in Kiphire on a “good will mission to the Sangtam and the Yimchunger.” Phom said tonight to have met with the local community organizations in Kiphire and later in the day, in Pungro. He said the situation is “under control” for now. No concrete solution was informed to have been arrived at. However the meetings are understood to have been cordial.
The parliamentary secretary said to have told the organizations that the road show should not be associated with the land dispute in anyway. Another meeting in Pungro was informed to have been scheduled.
Also, MLA and advisor to the VGs, Kejong Chang warned the Village Guards that their using arms against each other in the dispute between the ‘villages’ and communities will attract government’s penalizations. Their arms will be confiscated and the personnel will be sacked. If the VGs go against the government, the force will be withdrawn from the district, Kejong warned in the meetings.
The meeting unanimously adopted “To call back Yimchunger families who have left Kiphire Town from 4th to 22nd August 2010 and Camping at Shamator and Pungro” and that “this exercise shall be taken by the District Administration jointly with the NGO’s of Kiphire Town. The expenditure so incurred shall be borne by the Govt.” Further “in the event of any dispute arising between the individuals/Villages, the matter should not be taken as tribal dispute nor interfered by the tribal authorities.”
The team comprised of Pangnyu Phom, Advisor of DUDA E. Pangting, Parliamentary Secretary CL John, Parliamentary Secretary Heno, MLA Alo, and Advisor for VG Kejong, Parliamentary Secretary of CAWD T Torechu and chairman of NSMDC C Kipili Sangtam.
