Photo Courtesy: nagalandpost
Kohima: Thousands of protesters gathered at the Dzümha Rü Bridge Junction in New Medziphema on July 17. The Chakhroma Public Organisation (CPO) led the rally to condemn government inaction regarding an unresolved land dispute. They submitted an 8-point charter of demands to the Chief Secretary through the ADC of Medziphema. The document demands the immediate derecognition of Maova, a Kuki-inhabited village, citing decades of disregarded administrative orders.
CPO President Zhato Kimho and Vice President Sebastian Zumvü signed the memorandum. It mandates that Maova villagers pay annual token taxes to Tsüüma village, as historically decreed by officials between 1979 and 2010. The charter also demands the termination of Head GB Seiboi Changsang and the removal of the village's hereditary chieftainship. Organizers argue this system lacks statutory backing under the Nagaland Village and Area Councils Act of 1978.
The dispute stems from February 13, 2026. Tensions have simmered since. The CPO now demands a suspension of all official residency and birth certificates for the village. They insist that all government documentation must be verified against the 1963 electoral roll. The youth wing is restless. CYO President Medochüzo Medoze warned the administration, "Our patience is finished from today."
Speakers at the rally emphasized that the movement seeks justice for traditional landowners. They cited Article 371(A) and the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873, as key protections for indigenous Nagas. Kimho urged the government to act immediately. He also called for the expulsion of three individuals: former chairman Sutminlal Vaiphei, Seiboi Changsang, and former chairman Paoboi Changsang. The CPO asserts these leaders violated customary law. The government must now decide how to respond to these sweeping demands.
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