LNC-M states stand on Maremei village issue
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, April 01 2025: Liangmai Naga Council, Manipur (LNC-M) has clarified the position of the Liangmai people regarding Maremei village and the confusion arising from repeated acts of aggression by individuals falsely claiming ownership of the village.

In a press release, the Council strongly condemned the involvement of NSCN (IM) cadres, allegedly acting under the supervision of the Maram-Thangal Region, in supporting such claims.

Reaffirming the historical significance of Maremei, the LNC-M said that the village is an ancient Liangmai settlement with well-defined boundaries.

Citing historical records such as the 1894 Hill House tax payment register of British India, the Council asserted that the village has been recognised as a Liangmai settlement.

Re-established in 1983 and officially recognised as a hill revenue village in 1991, Maremei has been actively rebuilt by the Zeliangrong community, particularly the Liangmai people, to foster an inclusive and modern settlement.

LNC-M acknowledged the support of neighbouring villages during Maremei's recognition process and recalled the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Maram and Thangal Union with the Zeliangrong Union, which affirmed respect for traditional land boundaries.

However, despite such agreements, the GPRN, allegedly acting under the influence of one RK Remping and certain land speculators, issued orders claiming that Maremei falls under the jurisdiction of the Maram-Thangal Region, which the LNC-M denounced as a reckless and intrusive act attempting to unilaterally redraw traditional boundaries without consulting the Liangmai tribe.

The Council further condemned what it described as heinous crimes committed by NSCN (IM) cadres under the direction of its Kilo Kilonser, including the physical torture and sexual harassment of six Liangmai women in Maremei village.

LNC-M stressed that such acts violate human dignity and justice, stating that disputes in tribal or Naga villages have traditionally been resolved through customary practices.

It also accused the GPRN of issuing a biased verdict in favour of RK Remping and the Maram-Thangal Region while bypassing established customary justice mechanisms.

The Council revealed that the most recent and severe act of aggression occurred on March 31, when over 30 innocent Maremei villagers were forcibly evicted in the early morning hours by NSCN (IM) cadres.

The attackers, allegedly aided by volunteers of RK Remping, also vandalised numerous homes and further harassed the displaced villagers in their temporary shelters.

In response, LNC-M urged non-Liangmai neighbouring communities to refrain from engaging in any land transactions with RK Remping until an amicable settlement is reached in Maremei in accordance with Liangmai customary law.

It also called upon all neighbouring communities to respect traditional Liangmai practices to foster peaceful coexistence in Senapati town.

Reaffirming its commitment to justice, traditional values, and harmony, LNC-M vowed to ensure that the rights of the Liangmai people are upheld.

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