Machi committee junks claim of Kuki chiefs
Source: Chronicle News Service

Kakching, August 26 2021: Machi Land Protection Committee and Machi Village Authority have strongly condemned the decision taken by Kuki Chiefs' Association, Tengnoupal Block on land dispute between Machi village and Gomi/L Sijang village of Tengnoupal district.

The claim by L Sijang village that Lungkungna (Lungna) and Keidikna (Phoukei Tekpa Lam) villages have no houses is baseless.

History and land documents are enough to prove that these two villages belong to Machi village since time immemorial, Machi village Khullakpa/chief L Menaishim told media persons on Thursday.

According to Menaishim, Machi Land Protection Committee and Machi Village Authority strongly condemn contents of the letter sent by Kuki Chiefs' Association Tengnoupal Block on August 23 to the committee and Machi village authority regarding boundary of Machi and Gomi/L Sijang village.

Denouncing the decision of the Kuki chiefs identifying L Sijang, which does not fall under Machi Block, as a village lying between Machi, Samukom Khul and Simang villages, Menaishim pointed out that L Sijang village falls under Tengnoupal Block and people of Machi will not accept inclusion of L Sijang village under Machi Block bypassing Samukom Khul.

Lungkungna (Lungna) and Keidikna (Phoukei Tekpa Lam) are associated with the history of Machi village and hence it is totally wrong on the part of non-inhabited L Sijang village party to claim Lungna and Keidikna, he said, adding that both these lands belong to Machi village and is proven by history, documents and witnesses.

L Menaishim further said that it was beyond the jurisdiction of Kuki Chiefs' Association Tengnoupal Block to judge land dispute occurred within Machi Block and trial for the same must be done by Machi Block Chiefs/Chairmen Association or people residing in and around Machi Block.

He said that villagers of L Sijang led by Thenthang and Dapu Haokip filed an application on February 2, 2015 seeking permission for carrying out Jhum cultivation on Machi's land and permission was granted on humanitarian ground.

The press conference was also attended by Machi Village Authority chairman M Mophun, secretary Dm Isaac, Khunpu Kh Morung, Meitampu K Mekha, village authority member Menaishim, former chairman D Rouwaithang Maring, Machi Women Society chairperson TC Darshim, Machi Land Protection Committe members W Modar, T Hopeson and others.

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