Chumoukedima: In a landmark move to strengthen grassroots governance and coordination, 195 representatives from 56 village councils in Chumoukedima district came together for their first joint meeting on Wednesday, June 25, at the Chumoukedima Village Council Hall.
In a press conference held after the meeting, spokesperson Sebastian Zumvu announced that the gathering unanimously resolved to revive the erstwhile Chumoukedima Area Village Chairmen Association, founded in 2015, under a new banner—the Chumoukedima District Village Councils’ Association (CDVCA). Razouvotuo Chatsu, Chairman of the Chumoukedima Village Council and former President of the Angami Public Organization, was appointed Interim Convenor. Vika H. Chishi, Village Council Member of Unity Village, was named Secretary, and Sebastian Zumvu took charge as Spokesperson.
The body also appointed eight advisors, including prominent village leaders such as Zhato Kimho (President of Chakhroma Public Organization and Chairman of Piphema A), Ghuzhi Shohe (Diphupar), Reyopoyi Nyekha (Naga United), Dejiraj Giriso (Head GB, Dhansiripar), Tokishe Assumi (Thilixu), Charlie Sekhose (5th Mile Model), LK Swu (Head GB, Pimla), and Advocate Hukavi Zhimomi (Chekiye), who will serve as Legal Advisor.
The Council welcomed the Nagaland Government’s decision to strictly implement the Inner Line Permit (ILP) regime and pledged its full cooperation. However, it resolved to formally request the state to extend ILP validity for agricultural labourers from 90 days to one year.
It also recommended continuing both online and offline modes for ILP issuance, while urging improvements to make the online process more Guarantor-friendly.
The gathering also expressed support for the government’s recent efforts to strengthen Naga customary laws through the notification of Part 4(A) of the Act via the Rules for Administration of Justice & Police in Nagaland (Fifth Amendment) Rules, 2025.
However, the CDVCA urged the government to address concerns raised by the Nagaland Bar Association regarding the amendment, to frame clear rules for appointing the Presiding Officer and Members of the District Customary Courts, and to prioritize retired Dobashis and prominent GBs when filling court vacancies.
In a significant move, the Council unanimously resolved to dissolve all Village Development Board (VDB) Secretary Associations within the district and instructed VDB Secretaries to disassociate themselves from such groups.
Reiterating the long-standing public demand for “One Government, One Tax,” the body called on all underground factions in the district to heed the appeal.
It also urged the Government of India to strictly enforce and periodically review the Ceasefire Ground Rules, emphasizing that designated ceasefire monitoring offices must not become safe havens for lawbreakers.
To bolster district-level governance, the Council appealed to key government departments to post a Project Officer from the Department of Rural Development, a District Education Officer for School Education, and a District Sessions Judge in Chumoukedima, citing that the necessary infrastructure is already in place.
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