The Tikhir Tribal Council (TTC) hereby issues this rejoinder to the press statement that appeared on 2nd October 2026 issued by the dissolved TTC team led by Mr. P. Timong and Mr. Timong Y. This rejoinder is being issued basically, to clarify the factual position before the general public particularly, the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) to prevent any iota of doubt and confusion regarding the status and legitimacy of the TTC leadership.
The Tikhir Tribal Council categorically reiterates that the TTC team led by Mr. P. Timong was dissolved on 29th July 2026 which has been made public several times since its dissolution following serious concerns and remarks relating to its functioning, non-compliance with the applicable directives and the interests of the Tikhir community. Therefore, any subsequent statement or representation made by the dissolved team in the name of the Tikhir Tribal Council, after its dissolution, cannot be treated as an official statement of the present TTC leadership.
The claim made by the dissolved TTC about further affirmation of their legitimacy after 1st September 2026 meeting that appeared in Nagaland Post on 3rd October 2026 is totally false. The Deputy Commissioner, Kiphire formally appealed to all the Tikhir frontal organisations namely; TSU, TWA, TGOA, TGBA and TBBA on 29th August 2026 to take concerted intiatives to facilitate for amicable resolution of the issues within the tribe with the participation of all the stakeholders. However, copy served to other frontal organisations were mischievously concealed by the dissolved TTC and TSU team and the dissolved TTC had convened a meeting on 1st September 2026 contradicting the directives issued by the Deputy Commissioner, Kiphire to convene such meeting by the frontal organisation but not by the dissolved TTC.
The present TTC leadership under Shri. R.T.Kius once again reminds the general public and concerned authorities especially, the most respected ENPO office not to be misled or confused by parallel claims or representation by the dissolved TTC team.
Regarding the ENPO eligibility criteria and selection process: The Eligibility Criteria framed by the ENPO and the eight tribal Presidents on 4th March 2026 at Khatkhati, Assam, were the basis for selection process of the Tikhir Interim Council Member to the FNTA. However, during the selection process held on 10th March 2026 at Anatongre Village, the said Eligibility Criteria were not duly adhered to by Mr. P. Timong, former President Tikhir Tribal Council (TTC) and other frontal Presidents namely: 1. Tikhir Women Association (TWA); 2. Tikhir Students’ Union (TSU); 3. Tikhir Gazetted Officers’ Association (TGOA); 4. Tikhir Goan Buras Association (TGBA); and Tikhir Baptist Biti Atükhienti (TBBA). The failure to properly examine and adhere to the core eligibility Criteria prescribed by ENPO before recommending and appending signatures to the candidature resulted in serious confusion, misunderstanding and discord within Tikhir Community. It is therefore, pertinent to state that any recommendation made without properly verifying the candidate by strictly adhering to the eligibility criteria prescribed by the competent authority cannot be considered genuine and plausible. Therefore, inorder to ensure fairness, transparency and justice to the eligible candidate, the concerned Tikhir Frontal Organisations who had recommended the disputed candidature may withdraw their signatures as it contradicts the ENPO core eligibility Criteria.
The TTC is determined that such corrective action would help to uphold transparency and sense of justice to the most deserving candidate duly honouring the directives and eligibility framework laid down by the most respected ENPO authorities, which would eventually prevent further misunderstanding and division within the Tikhir Community and restore peace and normalcy within the community.
With regard to the ENPO Executive Council (CEC) meeting held on 11th August 2026 at Chen Village, Chumoukedima, wherein it was resolved that any individual, group or entity on obstructing, misleading or creating confusion among the public in the FNTA process would be held accountable, the Tikhir Tribal Council (TTC) considers it necessary to place the following the facts on record. The Tikhir Tribal Council (TTC) states that dissolved TTC team led by Mr. P. Timong, former President TTC, and Mr. Timong Y, Tikhir Students’ Union (TSU), have through their subsequent statements and actions, once again created confusion and misunderstanding within Tikhir community concerning the FNTA process. In the view of the present TTC, such conduct is contarary to the spirit and intent of the resolution adopted by the ENPO CEC. Further, instead of addressing the concerns through proper verification and documentary evidence, the continued issuance of statements by the dissolved team and TSU, according to the TTC, has further aggravated the situation and contributed to confusion and commotion within the Tikhir community.
The TTC further state that mere allegations or assertions cannot override the eligibility framework prescribed by ENPO, therefore appeals to all concerned parties to respect the ENPO core eligibility criteria and the resolution adopted at Chen Village, and refrain from making statements or taking actions that may mislead the public, obstruct the FNTA process or further aggravate the existing situation within the Tikhir Community.
The TTC further requests the competent authority, particularly the ENPO, to take appropriate action in accordance with its established resolutions and quidelines, should any person, group or organisation be found deliberately violating prescribed eligilibity Criteria or the Chen Village resolution, and thereby causing further confusion or obstruction in the FNTA process.
The TTC reiterates that its objective is not to create further confrontation, but to uphold the ENPO guidelines, maintain transparency in the FNTA process, protect the integrity of the Tikhir community’s representation, and restore peace, unity and public confidence. The TTC remains committed to resolving the matter through dialogue, due process and the established institutional framework, with the objective of preserving transparency, unity and the integrity of the Tikhir Community’s representation.
The TTC also views seriously the warning issued by the dissolved TTC to the villages to initiate stern action against individuals involved before 9th October 2026. If any untoward incidence happens to any individuals/villages on account of this issues raised by dissolved TTC, the signatories shall be held sole responsible whatsoever.
(R.T. KIUS)
President, Tikhir Tribal Council
(WONGSUTHONG)
General Secretary, Tikhir Tribal Council
(S. MOA TIKHIR)
Executive Chairman, Tikhir Tribal Council
(R.K. TSUTHONG)
Secretary, Tikhir Tribal Council
