Dimapur, July 15 (EMN): The Lotha Hoho, the apex Lotha tribal organisation, has issued a stern warning to all in concern against recognising the new group called the “Lotha Public Organisation” led by a former member of legislative assembly.
The Lotha Hoho issued a statement to the media on Monday stating the caution.
The press release stated that the Lotha Hoho’s executive council met on July 14 to discuss issues concerning the formation of what the organisation termed a self-styled organisation ie.. the Lotha Public Organization on July 13 at Bhandari.
“The Lotha Hoho has viewed the formation of the said self styled organisation as a violation of the Naga customary practice. The Lotha Naga customary practice of deciding on civil and criminal justice is an age old custom as also enshrined in Article 371A of the Indian Constitution,” the statement read.
“Hence, the Lotha community, represented by its apex body, the Lotha Hoho, does not recognise the said unauthorised organisation.”
The organisation stated that the leader of the new group had earlier been ‘disassociated’ from the Lotha Hoho for 10 years and information about it was published.
“It may also be emphasised that formation of any organisation within Lotha jurisdiction needs the approval of the Lotha Hoho, the apex Lotha tribal organisation.”
The Lotha Hoho has requested all in concern and the authorities to take note of this caution and not to recognise the new organisation.
“The same terms and conditions shall apply in all such cases in future. Any authority defying this notice of the Lotha Hoho shall be responsible for any consequence and in such an eventuality the Lotha community will not be responsible; but the concerned authority shall be solely responsible,” it added.
The ‘Lotha Public Organisation’ also issued a separate press release on Monday stating its contention. According to the press release, the ‘Lotha middle and lower range people coordination committee’ held a meeting on July 13 in the town hall of Bhandari town.
The group stated: “The purpose of the meeting was called by the LMLRPCC to review the lackadaisical attitude shown by the so called Lotha Hoho on the written letter given by the LMLRPCC on 15th Dec 2018 to reconsider and rectify of their new team to follow the guidelines of the Lotha Hoho within a specific time of one month period, but despite of given timeline till date, no reply and responds has been initiated by the so called Lotha Hoho.”
The meeting was called inviting “all the displeasure of Lotha villages” to attend, the note explained. The note claimed that the meeting was attended by “ninety-four displeasure Lotha villages” to resolve the “unprecedented issue” and to “bring unity and progress among the Lothas.”
After discussions, the attendees approved forming a group called the ‘Lotha Public Organisation’ led by Sulanthung Humtsoe as its chairman, the updates stated.
