The Tikhir Tribal Council (TTC) has issued an ultimatum to the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO), urging it to strictly adhere to the core eligibility criteria framed by the organisation for selection of the Tikhir Interim Council Member to the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA).

In a representation addressed to the ENPO president, TTC president R.T. Kius and general secretary Wongsuthong said the selection process, held on March 10, 2026, was to be conducted in accordance with the directives and eligibility criteria laid down by the ENPO.

The TTC claimed that during the selection process, objections were raised against Mark Morekiu, particularly concerning what it described as his previous adverse remarks and alleged pending legal cases. Despite the objections, the selection proceeded on the basis of a majority decision rather than the prescribed eligibility criteria, resulting in Morekiu being forwarded as the lone candidate for consideration, it alleged.

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The council said several appeals and representations were subsequently submitted to the ENPO seeking intervention and redressal, but claimed that the concerns regarding the candidate’s eligibility remained unresolved.

According to the TTC, the issue has resulted in “chaos, confusion, misunderstanding and divisions” within the Tikhir community.

The council urged the ENPO to intervene and ensure that the selection of the Tikhir Interim Council Member to the FNTA is conducted fairly and transparently and strictly in accordance with the organisation’s prescribed eligibility criteria and directives.

Issuing an ultimatum, the TTC asked the ENPO to resolve the matter at the earliest to prevent further escalation of tension and confusion within the community. It warned that failing this, the council would approach the appropriate competent authority for necessary intervention without further notice.