Tikhir Tribal Council issues ultimatum over FNTA nominee selection

The Tikhir Tribal Council (TTC) has issued an ultimatum to the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) regarding the selection of a Tikhir Interim Council Member to the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA). The TTC alleges that the selection process held on March 10, 2026, bypassed established ENPO eligibility criteria.

The dispute centers on the recommendation of Mark Morekiu, whose selection proceeded via a majority decision despite objections regarding his background and alleged pending legal cases. The TTC contends that Morekiu was forwarded as the sole candidate, whereas they maintain that Tsangli Tikhir was the individual who actually fulfilled the prescribed requirements.

In a rejoinder to the Tikhir Students’ Union (TSU), the TTC questioned whether the ENPO's criteria were applied equally to all candidates or if other influences were at play. The council stated that the current situation has caused division and confusion within the Tikhir community. If the ENPO does not intervene to ensure a fair and transparent selection process, the TTC has warned it will approach the appropriate competent authority for intervention.