Evict encroachers from Mt Koubru: LNC
Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network

Imphal, July 08 2021: Liangmai Naga Council (LNC) has on Thursday urged the State Government to evict the "encroachers" from Koubru mountain.

It said that the recent "exclusive yet unfounded and baseless claims" over Mt Koubru by civil society organisations based in Kangpokpi were unfortunate and reprehensible "as the misleading statements in public domain are detrimental to peace and harmony in the region.

"The fact that the Liangmai Naga community is the rightful owner of Koubru Mountain Range and our settlement dates back to thousands of years cannot be befuddled by such statements," said LNC in a statement.

It also said that the rich history, culture and legends of the "Liangmai Naga community speaks volumes about the deeply rooted connection" with Koubo-ra (lord of Koubru) as our forefathers revered Koubo-ra as a high priest.

The Liangmai body said that the Koubru range "therefore, remains sacrosanct to the Liangmai indigenous people" .

It added that the stated fact is unquestionable and cannot be challenged by any external force or power.

"No matter what may come, the LNC will fight for its ownership rights," it asserted.

According to LNC, all relevant documents recorded in the history of the Kings of Manipur very clearly state who the rightful owner of Koubru Mountain Range and who is a tenant at will over there.

"As such, the tenant at will has no right to claim ownership in any circumstances just because the lawful owner is generous and kind enough allowing them to settle as a loyal tenant at will," LNC said.

The Liangmai body said that the all should learn to respect and honour the history of the people who had allowed their forefathers to use the lands which they are occupying today.

It further said that the generosity should not be taken for granted and stop issuing 'nonsensical' and thoughtless statements in public domain.

LNC added that such provocative and reprehensible statements will not serve any purpose, rather it will flare up tensions in the region, which is not in the interest of the democratic and pluralistic society.

LNC then said, "It is our sincere advice to all to refrain from giving provocative statements or 'communal tone' in public domain and stop making unfounded and baseless claims over the Koubru Mountain Range.

"It may be noted that only in 1968, the virgin forest of Koubru hills was declared as Kanglatongbi-Kangpokpi (KK) Reserve Forest by the Forest Department to conserve and protect the rich biodiversity of the Koubru Mountain," stated LNC.

However, the purpose of declaring KK Reserved Forest was totally defeated as the Forest Department failed to protect and preserve the rich forest, LNC further said.

"Therefore, it is our earnest appeal to the State Government to evict the encroachers on Koubru Mountain," it added.

LNC also said that one cannot claim indigenous status and landownership title overnight by erecting stones, putting signboards and 'distorting time honoured history of our forefathers' .

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