Dimapur: The Nagaland government has initiated steps to rehabilitate displaced Sumi villagers from Seyochung, following a long-standing dispute with the Sangtam tribe over land rights.
On Thursday, the Additional Advocate General for the Government of Nagaland, Imti Imsong, informed the Kohima Bench of the Gauhati High Court that the Deputy Commissioner of Kiphire district had been directed to engage with the United Sangtam Likhum Pumji (USLP) and Eastern Sumi Hoho (ESH) to commence the rehabilitation process.
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The Court was hearing a contempt petition filed in 2019, alleging non-compliance with a November 28, 2018 order related to the dispute.
In its 2018 order, the HC directed the Chief Secretary and Home Commissioner to take appropriate action based on a report submitted by the 1-Man Enquiry Committee.
The dispute between the Sumi and Sangtam tribes centered around the original inhabitants of Seyochung village and their customary rights to the land.
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Both sides had filed writ petitions with the Kohima Bench, which were subsequently disposed of, directing the government to act on the Enquiry Committee’s findings.
In a recent order, Justice Kaushik Goswami adjourned the contempt petition for four weeks, acknowledging the government’s initiation of the rehabilitation process.
However, the Court emphasized the urgency of the matter and warned of potential adverse consequences if compliance is not ensured.