Thsingar village of Suro Pümji has officially denounced and declared null and void the excommunication order issued by the United Sangtam Likhumse Phüngwa (USLP) against Likhumse Sangtam for a period of 15 years. The order in question, referred to, is dated 25 July 2024.
In a statement, Thsingar Village Suro Pümji gave several reasons for its decision. They pointed out that according to Article 17 paragraph (f) of the USLP Constitution, any problem or issue brought to the attention of the USLP should be addressed by setting up an action committee. The findings of this committee should then help in resolving the problem. This procedure was not followed in the case of Likhumse Sangtam.
Article 9 paragraph (f) of the USLP Constitution requires the inclusion of two legal advisors at important meetings. Therefore, Suro Pümji from Thsingar village asked why the USLP legal advisors were not invited to the USLP meeting on July 23, 2024 in Longkhim.
Article 17(g) of the USLP Constitution states that a final judgement on any matter shall be made only after a hearing or thorough investigation. However, it is alleged that this provision of the Constitution was also ignored in the case of Mr. Likhumse Sangtam of the USLP.
Article 8, clauses (n), (o) and (p) of the USLP Constitution state that the presidents of all apex organizations, namely USSC, USGOU and AST, are board members of the USLP. It was asked why the presidents of these apex organizations were not officially invited to the meeting on July 23, 2024 in Longkhim.
The united Sangtam tribe consists of eight areas namely Kiphire, Longmatra, Singti, Seyochung, Amahator, Longkhim, Chare and WSPO. Questions were raised as to why only the heads and village council chairmen of Longkhim and Chare areas were formally invited and for what reason the heads and village council chairmen of the remaining six areas were not invited to the USLP meeting on July 23, 2024 at Longkhim.
It also mentioned that in order to ascertain the facts and get justice, Thsingar village Suro Pümji has filed a complaint with the USLP on July 29, 2024, setting a deadline of ten days, which will expire on August 8, 2024. However, the USLP has not given any official response.
In view of the procedural irregularities and lack of compliance with the USLP Constitution, the Thsingar Village Suro Pümji has termed the excommunication order dated 23 July 2024 as arbitrary and harmful. The Suro Pümji stressed that neither summons nor notice of hearing was served on Mr. Likhumse Sangtam, which is a violation of the principles of natural justice.
Consequently, the Suro Pümji of Thsingar Village has resolved that Mr. Likhumse Sangtam will continue to be recognized as a bona fide citizen of Thsingar Village and his services will be retained in all future endeavors. The order of excommunication shall be deemed null and void until justice is done.
MT
