TNL summons Gwaltabi Kuki chief
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 18 2025: The Tangkhul Naga Long has explicitly asked the chief of Gwaltabi Kuki village to produce land documents to prove ownership of Mahadev.

This, after the foundation stone for a proposed "Wung Vei Town" in Mahadev which was unveiled by TNL president, Sword Vashum, on May 15 was vandalised on the same day.

Mahadev is situated some 4 kilometres from Yaingangpokpi along the Imphal-Ukhrul road, and the chief of Gwaltabi Kuki village has claimed ownership of this land and accused Thawai/Thoyee village of encroaching on it.

Notably, the foundation stone for the proposed Wung Vei town was unveiled on May 15 by Tangkhul Naga Long president Sword Vashum in the presence of leaders and representatives of many Tangkhul frontal organisations including the TMNL, TSL, TKS, TNAL, TNZL, TANFO, WTSC and Thawai village headman, Wungnaoyung Ngalung.

After the foundation stone was damaged by unknown miscreants on the same day at night-time, Litan police had registered a case for investigation the next day.

The chief of Gwaltabi Kuki village had also issued a statement on May 16, claiming ownership of Mahadev and condemning the erection of the foundation for the proposed town.

Taking serious note of vandalisation that took place at Mahadev and subsequent claim of the Gwaltabi Kuki village chief, the TNL on May 17 sent a letter summoning him to present himself before its president on May 19.The chief/chairman of Gwaltabi Kuki village shall present himself in the office of the president, Tangkhul Naga Long, Ukhrul on May 19 at 12 pm, said the statement.

In the summon letter, the TNL explicitly asked the chief of Gwaltabi Kuki village to produce land documents to prove "beyond doubt and confusion" the titleship and ownership of Mahadev.

Notably, through his May 16 statement, Gwaltabi Kuki village chief, Ngamkhai Haokip had issued a "first and final warning" to Thoyee Village Authority, accusing it of trespassing and encroaching into Mahadev.

Registering strong objection, the Gwaltabi Kuki village chief had asserted that the erection of the "monolith" by Thoyee Village Authority at Mahadev was illegal.

"The stone, falsely declared as the foundation of a so-called "Wung-vei Town," was installed without prior knowledge, consent, or consultation with the rightful landowners-the chief and people of Gwaltabi Kuki Village," said the chief in the press statement.

"The land in question, situated above the main road, was legally and customarily acquired by then chief of Gwaltabi Kuki from the then chief of Thoyee Village.

The transaction involved payment of money, traditional rites including the killing of animals, communal feasting, and the erection of boundary stones, all witnessed and documented as per tribal custom," claimed the Kuki chief.

Terming the erection of the foundation stone as a provocative action, the chief had warned Thoyee Village of customary and legal action.

"The Gwaltabi Kuki Village Authority holds Thoyee Village fully responsible for any future conflict or unrest stemming from this unlawful act.

This declaration stands as the first and final warning to the Thoyee Village Authority," said the Kuki chief.

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