Lotha Hoho (LH) has opposed giving of BJP ticket to an ex-communicated individual Chenirao Jami Lotha, for contesting the urban local body (ULB) election from Bhandari. LH chairman Mhondamo Ovung and general secretary Tsupon Murry clarified that due to the alleged involvement of Chenirao, in the matter of “security threat” to 25 Lotha intellectuals allegedly by NSCN (I-M), he was ex-communicated from the Lotha community on July 9, 2016 by the hoho for 15 years. Hence, LH asserted that Chenirao was officially not a bonafide Lotha Naga, and therefore not eligible to hold any post of responsibility as a Lotha Naga, unless he successfully completed the stipulated period of ex-communication.
The hoho said the reasons and the circumstances leading to his excommunication were documented in the LH report of November 2014 to January 2019. Having confirmed that Chenirao had been allotted a BJP ticket for contesting the ULB poll from Ward No.3 of Bhandari town vide BJP official notification of June 8, LH said that since it was the apex and statutory Lotha tribal organisation, the ex-communication was legally binding under provisions of Article 371A. They said the hoho had written on the matter to Additional Deputy Commissioner Bhandari, asking him not to entertain the nomination of Chenirao on June 5, with endorsements to Chenirao and Deputy Commissioner Wokha.
LH informed all concerned that as per the terms and conditions of the ex-communication memo of hoho, defiance of the ex-communication would entail a further excommunication of Chenirao, including his family, for three consecutive future generations.
Hence, to keep its sanctity, LH warned that the hoho would have no other option but to implement its memo, which would include withdrawal of LH cooperation/support to the BJP, unless the party withdrew the candidature of Chenirao.
Based on the earlier LH memo of ex-communication, the hoho also gave the option to Chenirao and the BJP to consider their option to either comply with the terms of ex-communication of July 9, 2016, or otherwise. LH said the follow-up action of the hoho would be dependent on the options exercised by the BJP and Chenirao.