Kohima: The Tikhir community of Longtsunger village in Kiphire district blames an October 7 joint statement from Zaonger and Zhimkiur village head gaonburas for a violent confrontation that erupted on October 10. The community claims this directive, which alleged that Longtsunger occupies land belonging to those villages under Yimkhiung Tribal Council jurisdiction, demanded they cancel their Tsonglaknyi festival. A follow-up warning letter from the Metemnyo Club arrived on October 8. It stated the club would not be held responsible if the situation boiled over.
Hanso T, the village council chairman, allegedly issued a written warning against the festival without consulting his council. Tikhir residents claim armed individuals occupied areas around Longtsunger starting October 9. This shows the attack was planned. Tikhir leaders said the situation became uncontrollable on October 10, forcing villagers to flee as people from Kiusam arrived to assist.
Longtsunger Village Citizens released a separate report on October 18 detailing the chaos. Nine Village Guard personnel were forced to abandon their posts. The deputy commandant of VG Kiphire ordered their withdrawal after attackers torched homes and overwhelmed the guards. Police later moved the personnel to Kiusam headquarters. Citizens reported loss of life and property following the clash. They are now calling for a return to peace. The Tikhir statement noted they have celebrated Tsonglaknyi annually without disruption in the past. They insist, "The situation became uncontrollable and led to an evacuation."
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