DIMAPUR — The Western Sümi Hoho (WSH) has refuted what it termed the “false and misleading claims” made by the Nagaland Zeliang People Organisation (NZPO) and Lamhai Village Council (LVC) regarding the foundation stone laying for the Aqahuto EAC HQ at Zutovi village, Chümoukedima district.
In a press release, the WSH maintained that the foundation stone was laid within Zutovi's jurisdiction, a village with a well-established history dating back to 1948, predating Nagaland's statehood, with the full consent and participation of the village authorities, “thereby irrefutably affirming the location's legitimacy and rendering claims of encroachment on Lamhai land entirely baseless and malicious.”
Also read: LVC disputes existence of Aqahuto, protests foundation stone laying
“Furthermore, we assert that Aqahuto area falls under Chümoukedima district, not Peren, contrary to NZPO and LVC's deliberate misinformation. Therefore, the question of Aqahuto being under Lamhai doesn't arise. We demand that they cease spreading falsehoods and verify facts to avoid confusing the public,” the hoho stated.
The hoho went on to mention that Aqahuto has existed since time immemorial, encompassing villages like Shokhuvi (established in 1926), Kiyevi (established in 1939), Pimla (established in 1954), and Zutovi (established in 1948), some of which predate Indian Independence and Nagaland statehood.
It also recalled the chief minister’s “unequivocal assurance” of an EAC HQ for Aqahuto made during the Chümoukedima district inauguration.
“This commitment, made before various stakeholders, reinforces our confidence in the project's legitimacy,” the hoho stated.
Denouncing the NZPO and LVC's “blatant attempts” to mislead the public and distort facts, the WSH reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to Aqahuto's development.
“We urge the Nagaland government to expedite the EAC HQ's construction, which will greatly benefit Aqahuto and surrounding areas, driving regional development and strengthening community ties,” it added.