Taosang chief cries for justice
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 04 2015: Contending that no piece of Taosang village land was ever sold, the Taosang village chief has urged the concerned authorities to book and punish all those persons involved in setting ablaze six houses.

Speaking to media persons at Taosang Khunou yesterday, village chief Gonthangmei Jamjanlung said that his own house and five other houses were allegedly burnt down by around 46 people led by self-proclaimed village chief Lanaimei on September 16 on the false charge of selling off a piece of the village land.

He also showed the media all the six houses which have been completely destroyed.

The five other houses belonged to Gonthangmei Lungalung (42), Pouchalung (60), Tenkaolung (45), Dingtanlung (70) and Houkhupou (35).All five of them are relatives of Gonthangmei Jamjanlung.

Apart from setting ablaze the five houses, the group led by Lanaimei fired double-barrel shot guns indiscriminately and exploded bombs.

"Lanaimei and his followers have been accusing me of selling off 500 acres of village land adjoining Irang river, 50 acres at Gatrou Ram and another 50 acres adjoining Leimatak", Gonthangmei Jamjanlung said.

Dismissing the same accusation as baseless, Gonthangmei Jamjanlung asserted that Lanaimei and his followers could not produce any sale deed or other relevant documents which can prove that the said pieces of land have been bought by them.

"Just because I am the village chief, I cannot sell of any piece of the village land unless there is consensus among all the villagers" he said.

The truth is known to all the chiefs and villagers of neighbouring villages, he continued.

Now all the give families whose houses have been burnt down are taking shelter in the houses of relatives and fellow villagers.

Even then, Lanaimei and his followers have been issuing threats to all the villagers who have been providing shelter to the homeless families, Gonthangmei Jamjanlung said.

Although a written report has been filed at Khoupum police station, no action has been initiated till date.

A complaint has also been lodged with Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam seeking immediate relief measures as well as adequate compensation but there has been no response so far, Gonthangmei Jamjanlung said.

He added that they would fight the matter through legal means.

Comment