Tension over assault case, land ownership claims
- The People's Chronicle Editorial :: January 10, 2025 -

AS commented in this column earlier, inaction by civil society organisations to settle the K Lungwiram case, wherein Kuki miscreants allegedly abused and manhandled a Liangmai woman on January 7, at the earliest possible will pose serious threat to the general population of the parties in dispute apart from causing headache to the law enforcement agencies.

While deployment of central armed police forces at strategic locations has led to notable decline in violent incidents in the periphery villages in the valley districts, there is clear sign of tension brewing in Kangpokpi district in the aftermath of the assault on the Konsakhul woman coupled with lack of initiative by the.

Kuki civil bodies to resolve the dispute.

Contrary to past incidents which were settled amicably either through the customary practice of compensating the victim party by the accused person(s) or signing of agreement for peaceful co-existence, inaction by the Kuki CSOs could be the prime reason for the Liangmai Naga Council, Eastern Zone demanding formal apology from the Kuki community within 24 hours for the assault on the Naga woman and the Konsakhul (Konsaram) Village Authority, on behalf of the Liangmai Naga community, asking the Leilon Vaiphei village to vacate the land of Konsaram within 15 days of the notice.

At a glance, the assault case appeared to be act of rowdyism committed by some hyperactive youngsters but developments in the past few hours indicate that land dispute is the core problem between the two neighbouring villages as is evident from the Village Authority charging the Leilon Vaiphei village of violating the 'age-old principle of peaceful co-existence' upheld by the Liangmai Naga people.

The Konsakhul VA also alleged that the January 7 assault of the woman in broad daylight at K Lungwiram under Kangchup Geljang sub-division in Kangpokpi district, was carried out at the instruction of the Leilon Vaiphei leadership, besides accusing Leilon Vaiphei village of disregarding the 'humanitarian grounds' on which they had been allowed to settle on the land as tenants.

It further stated that the Leilon Vaiphei had recently engaged in 'anti-social activities', particularly targeting innocent Naga villagers in Konsaram area, showing a lack of respect for the kindness and generosity previously extended to them.

The Konsakhul VA also contended that as the lease agreement signed between the landlord (Konsaram) and the tenant (Leilon), Leilon Vaiphei village has to vacate the land within 15 days, so as to prevent forcible eviction, and unwanted consequences, if any.

Contrary to claims and assertions by the Liangmei organisations over landownership, Leilon Khunou village chief Haopu Vaiphei, has not only lodged a police complaint but also claimed in his report to the Kangpokpi SP, that the site where the January 7 incident happened falls within the jurisdiction of his village.

While urging for immediate intervention by the police authorities to prevent further escalation of tension and disruption to peace in the region, the complainant charged one Aimson Abonmai of Konsakhul village of carrying out the land levelling activities without the prior knowledge or consent of the landowner.

In view of the charges and counter-charges between the two neighbouring villages and evolving tense situation, it is imperative that the district administration swing into action to calm the frayed nerves rather than wait and watch.