A recent report circulating on various media platforms alleged that unidentified gunmen stormed the residence of the Village Council Chairman (VCC) of Thonoknyu village, Noklak district, in connection with a taxation issue, and abducted the Village Development Board (VDB) secretary.
According to the earlier report, the unknown assailants, dressed in camouflage uniforms and armed with sophisticated weapons, allegedly threatened the VCC before abducting the VDB secretary.
Following the incident, the Tikhir Tribal Council (TTC) issued a press release expressing “deep concern and strong condemnation” of what it described as a “heinous and cowardly act” and a “direct assault on peace, security, and democratic values.” The council demanded that the perpetrators be brought to justice without delay.
However, the VDB secretary, who was said to have been abducted, later clarified that he was not kidnapped.
In response to the controversy, the Naga National Council (Federal Government of Nagaland) [NNC (FGN)], Khiamniungan Region, issued a clarification statement addressing what it termed as a “fortified and intimidating” declaration from the Tikhir side made “without understanding the ground reality.”
According to the NNC (FGN) Khiamniungan Region, the issue stemmed from an ongoing taxation matter. The statement explained that on October 27–28, the authorities had contacted the VCC regarding the annual household tax traditionally collected by the region. The VCC reportedly stated that the tax for 2024–2025 had already been paid to the Tikhir region and advised the NNC (FGN) to approach the Tikhir GBs’ Union President for clarification.
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The NNC (FGN) asserted that the Tikhir region does not exist under the Thonoknyu jurisdiction. When further questioned about the non-payment of tax, the VCC could not give a clear explanation, leading representatives of the NNC (FGN) to visit the VCC’s residence for clarification.
The statement clarified that there was “no intention or means of threat” during the visit, and that the matter was purely administrative. It added that the Khulioh Sub-Region had taken up the responsibility of tax collection this year after a one-year gap, following the government’s inability to conduct the previous collection.
The NNC (FGN) maintained that the Thonoknyu VCC, who belongs to the Tikhir community but resides within Khiamniungan land jurisdiction, had refused to comply with the process, thereby prompting the regional consultation.
“Unfortunately, our Tikhir brothers, without verifying the facts on the ground, took the matter to the media, portraying a negative image that is unjust and unacceptable toward the Federal Government of Nagaland,” the statement said.
The NNC (FGN) Khiamniungan Region appealed to all concerned citizens not to panic.
