Kohima, October 3 (MExN): The Jotsoma Village Council (JVC) has strongly condemned and refuted the restriction order issued by the Deputy Commissioner of Kohima regarding traditional land activities, terming it arbitrary, highly prejudicial, and issued without stakeholder consultation.
In a representation addressed to the Deputy Commissioner of Kohima on October 2, 2026, JVC Chairman Kekhriesetuo Peseyie stated that the council was neither consulted nor informed of any representation prior to the issuance of Order No. DCK/SDR/RFI&O/06/2009/741 on October 1, 2026.
The council asserted that making decisions affecting traditional lands without involving the primary stakeholder—Jotsoma Village—has created unnecessary ambiguity and grievances.
Placing on record its strong objection to the directive restricting activities within its land, the JVC noted that its office is completely unaware of any such complaints or contentions being raised against their property.
While acknowledging that preventive orders are ostensibly intended to preserve public peace, the council argued that such measures should not, without a proper inquiry, effectively freeze or prejudice the substantive rights of landowners.
Furthermore, the JVC pointed out that the impugned order fails to state the material facts establishing an imminent likelihood of a breach of peace, rendering the blanket restriction unjustified.
It cautioned that a preventive public-order measure should not be hastily invoked to confer de facto recognition upon an unverified claim over traditional land historically owned and peacefully possessed by the people of Jotsoma merely on the basis of a joint representation.
The village council has urged the district administration to immediately review and revoke the restraining order to ensure that historical land rights and activities within Jotsoma jurisdiction remain fully protected.
Highlighting the gravity of the matter, the JVC cautioned that the District Administration will have to bear full responsibility for any untoward incidents arising as a consequence of the unconsulted restraining order.
