USLP clears Kiphire DC of NH-202 compensation deduction allegations

Kiphire, October 18 (MExN): The United Sangtam Likhüm Pümji (USLP) has cleared Kiphire Deputy Commissioner Temsuwati Longkumer, IAS, of allegations that he had made unauthorised deductions of 10 per cent from compensation amounts paid for land acquired for National Highway 202 (NH-202).The controversy erupted after a letter dated October 1, 2026, written by Tsathrise Rudy, also known as Tsathrise Sangtam, to the Commissioner of Nagaland went viral on social media. The letter levelled five allegations of misconduct against the Deputy Commissioner, including the alleged deduction of 10 per cent from NH-202 land compensation to cover expenses related to the release of funds. The alleged practice was said to have affected residents across four areas under the United Sangtam jurisdiction.Following the circulation of the letter, the USLP convened an emergency meeting on October 6 and invited the complainant to produce documentary evidence in support of the allegations. However, the complainant declined to share the evidence with third parties.The USLP subsequently constituted a five-member Fact-Finding Committee on October 8, comprising representatives of frontal organisations, to investigate the allegations.The committee submitted its findings on October 16, following which the USLP executive body held a review meeting on October 17 to examine the report.According to the findings, affected landowners in the Longmatra area explicitly clarified that Deputy Commissioner Temsuwati Longkumer had neither demanded nor forced any 10 per cent deduction from their compensation, either verbally or in writing.The Phelungre Village Council also denied having received any instruction or information regarding such deductions.In addition, a door-to-door inquiry conducted in the town area found that affected individuals had signed declarations dismissing the allegation as entirely false.Based on the findings, the USLP officially stated that the Deputy Commissioner had not communicated, either verbally or in writing, any instruction regarding a 10 per cent deduction from NH-202 land compensation.The organisation, however, stated that disciplinary action could be pursued in accordance with the committee's recommendations if concrete evidence emerged in the future.Regarding the remaining four allegations raised in the letter, the USLP stated that it would meet the Deputy Commissioner directly to discuss the issues and address operational shortcomings.The organisation also said it would advise the state government to take corrective measures if the other allegations were substantiated.