Tikhir Union Zaonger Village clarifies stand

Kiphire, October 13 (MExN): The Tikhir community of Zaonger village on Tuesday strongly rejected allegations made against it by the Zaonger Mihkhung Arihako (ZMA), calling them factually incorrect, misleading and contrary to official records and decisions.The Tikhir Union Zaonger Village, in a rejoinder, said the internal issue between the Yimkhiung and Tikhir communities at Zaonger had already been examined by the DBs Court based on historical records and documents, and its findings were submitted to the Deputy Commissioner, Kiphire. The DC forwarded the matter to the Commissioner, Nagaland, who referred it to the Home Commissioner for final consideration under the MoU and Modalities signed between the Tikhir Tribal Council (TTC) and Yimkhiung Tribal Council (YTC) on January 19, 2022.After examination, the Home Commissioner approved the position and conveyed it to the Commissioner, Nagaland, for necessary action under the MoU and Modalities.“In view of the above official process and decisions, there is no question of the Tikhir Community being unlawfully expelled from Zaonger Village or of its members being deprived of their community citizenship or status,” it said.It added that portraying the matter as an unresolved dispute or claiming the Tikhir community has no legitimate standing at Zaonger is misleading and contrary to records before competent authorities.The union reiterated that the TTC and YTC MoU and Modalities provide the framework for recognizing individuals who choose to identify with either community. It said anyone wishing to become a member of the Tikhir Tribe should not be prevented from doing so, and the same principle applies in reverse.“The Tikhir Community residing at Zaonger has every legitimate right to observe and celebrate its traditional, cultural and religious festivals, including Tikhir Tsonglaknyi, in accordance with its customary practices and community identity,” it said, adding that such observances cannot be construed as acts against or interference with the Yimkhiung community.The union made clear that the celebration of Tikhir Tsonglaknyi has no connection with the ZMA or any authority to object to Tikhir cultural and traditional practices.Appealing to all concerned to refrain from unsubstantiated allegations, provocative statements, or attempts to create misunderstanding between the two communities, the Tikhir community said it remains committed to peace, mutual respect, and communal harmony while firmly safeguarding its legitimate rights, identity, customs, and traditions within the framework of competent authority decisions and the TTC and YTC MoU and Modalities.It urged the ZMA and all concerned to respect official records, decisions, and agreed modalities and to refrain from further attempts to misrepresent the status or legitimate rights of the Tikhir community at Zaonger village.