Village renaming concerns exiled residents
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, April 24 2025: A renewed wave of concern has seeped among the 'exiled' residents of the erstwhile Mangkang Naga village in Moreh sub-division, following reports that Lalkholun Haokip, self-styled chief of Haolenphai village, has erected a stone slab at the village entrance inscribed "Haolenphai Village, Moreh Sub-Division, Chandel District, Manipur, ESTD 1992" .

Chief of the erstwhile Naga village Labang Moyon has described the act as part of a continued attempt to claim ownership over the abandoned Naga village.

Speaking to The People's Chronicle, Labang Moyon pointed out that the location in question is still recorded as Mangkang village in government records and the village continues to pay hill house tax.

"It is shocking for the so-called chief to erect a stone claiming the establishment of Haolenphai in 1992 when there is no such village in official documents," he asserted.

The dispute traces back to October 23, 1992, when the residents of Mangkang village - primarily from the Moyon and Anal tribes - were forced to flee following the outbreak of ethnic violence during the Naga-Kuki clash.

Since then, the displaced villagers have been residing at Komlathabi village, hosted by the Kapam Village Authority, far from their ancestral land located near border pillar number 76.Recognised by the government in 1962, Mangkang village had existed since the colonial era.

After its residents fled in 1992, the deserted land was reportedly taken over by Kukis, with Lalkholun Haokip allegedly renaming it and producing forged documents to establish control, pointed out Labang Moyon.

Although the case is pending in court, the original villagers remain in exile, he informed.

Despite continuing to receive MGNREGS benefits under the name of Mangkang Naga village, the displaced community remains cut off from other development schemes, said the chief in exile.

Labang Moyon related that he had earlier called on the government to consult the Mangkang Naga Village Authority before initiating any development work in the area now known as Haolenphai.

"We still live under another village's shelter.

All we seek is justice - for ourselves, for our ancestors, and for the generations yet to come," he said while expressing hope that the government will deliver justice and facilitate their return to their ancestral land.

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