In a recent video that was circulated in social media platforms, revealed a scuffle between the members of the Lotha Baptist church Association (Reformation) and the Police at Vankhosung Mission Compound on November 9

It was reported that on November 9, members of the LBCA® went to obtain files from the Administrative office for the upcoming centenary jubilee of LBCA to be held on December 17 and 18, 2023. However, under the directive of Court Order, the security personnel at the area stopped the LBCA ® members.

Under the Directive of the Court Order, the Vankhosung Mission Compound is currently sealed and 144 CrPC imposed.

To acquire more details about the incident, Nagaland Tribune along with other mediapersons in Wokha reached out to both members of the LBCA and LBCA (R) at different locations. When asked about the recent video incident, Executive Secretary Rev. Nyanchumo Lotha of LBCA (R) , clarified that they only wanted to obtain documents from the administrative block building for the purpose of obtaining records of the forthcoming centenary jubilee of LBCA. He also urged the DC to revoke and lift the 144 CrpC and removal of police forces at Vankosung as it is a sacred place for the Lothas.

“Majority party is supporting the idea of coming together and for which we have participated in all platform that called the two party for discussion, yet the LBCA the minority groups failed to participate,” stated Lotha. Recollecting the decision of Vankhosung Land Owners Union (VLOU) for unifying the two party that the previous office bearers of LBCA resign, Lotha stated that the minority failed to accept the call of VLOU. “We are ever ready to follow the order and decision of VLOU since the land is not paid or bought by the LBCA and we respect the decision of the land owners,” asserted Lotha.

Rev. Nyanchumo also urged for peace and unity to the LBCAs while extending a warm welcome to all the churches for celebration of centenary jubilee as one.

Mediapersons also met with the LBCA party at Tiyichan Baptist Church with Sustsuthung Lotha- Education Secy LBCA, Sukumbemo Murry- V.P LBCA, Echungbemo Shitiri- Secy LBCA , Ramongo Ezung – Executive Member LBCA and Myanbemo Odyuo- Missionary LBCA. The LBCA shared the reason on the split of the LBCAs and the steps taken for reconciliation which has not seen much progress.

One of the members mentioned, “From the legal point of view, the original document as the registered Society is possessed by us and if the court verdict is given to the legitimate LBCA, this will solve the problem.”

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The LBCA stated the imposition of CrPC is to ensure the safety of the people while preventing violence in Vankhosung. “We are writing letter to the Government for more security until this matter is solved and personal security is a must for the safety until the dispute between the both parties gets over,” asserted the LBCA.

The group also clarified that many has been misguided without knowing the genesis of the issue, therefore urged the people “to look for the truth and not be misguided or misled with false information”.

“We are ever ready to go for reconciliation and if any group comes forward for reconciliation and unity, the LBCA will willingly join hands, unite, forgive and strive to go forward together for the Lotha community,” stated the LBCA members.