The United Sangtam Likhüm Pümji (USLP) has stated that its fact-finding committee found no evidence that Kiphire Deputy Commissioner, Temsuwati Longkumer had verbally or in writing demanded a 10% deduction from compensation paid to landowners affected by the NH-202 project.

In a report issued following an inquiry into allegations circulated on social media, the USLP said affected landowners in the Longmatra area had clarified that they were never asked or forced by the deputy commissioner to surrender 10% of their compensation. The Phelungre Village Council also reportedly denied receiving any written or verbal information regarding such a deduction.

The organisation said its door-to-door inquiry in the town area found that affected individuals had signed a declaration stating that they had received no information, either verbally or in writing, about a proposed 10% deduction from their compensation.

The allegations originated from a letter dated October 1, 2026, addressed to the Commissioner of the Government of Nagaland by Tsathrise Rudy, also known as Tsathrise Sangtam, which subsequently circulated on social media. Of the five allegations levelled against the deputy commissioner, the USLP identified the alleged deduction of 10% of NH-202 compensation to meet expenses for releasing funds as a particular concern for people in areas under its jurisdiction.

According to the USLP, it convened a meeting at its headquarters on October 6 and decided to invite Rudy to produce supporting documents and evidence. However, Rudy replied in a letter dated October 7 that he would not disclose the evidence against the deputy commissioner to any third party, the organisation stated.

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The USLP subsequently constituted a five-member fact-finding committee comprising representatives of its frontal organisations on October 8 to investigate the alleged unauthorised deduction from compensation payable to affected landowners. The committee submitted its report on October 16, following which the organisation held a meeting on October 17 to consider the findings.

Based on the inquiry, the USLP stated that no written or verbal intimation regarding a 10% deduction had been made by the deputy commissioner. However, it added that disciplinary action could be initiated against him if any evidence supporting the allegation was subsequently found.

The organisation also said the other four allegations against the deputy commissioner had been taken into consideration. It stated that the USLP would meet Longkumer to address the issues and seek corrective measures, while advising the state government to take appropriate steps if the allegations were found to be true.

In a statement signed by A Island Peace Yangthsaba, Joint Secretary and Vice President in-charge, and Selongba Sangtam, Convener of the Executive Committee, the USLP reiterated that, as a stakeholder in NH-202, it was committed to protecting its people against alleged corrupt practices.