Summoning Gorkha leaders an affront: LNC
Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network

Imphal, May 29 2025: The Liangmai Naga Council (LNC) has said that a 'self-styled Kuki organization', Sadar Hills Chief Association (SHCA), summoning Gorkha village leaders from Irang Part 1 and 2 is a direct challenge to the dignity and traditional authority of the Naga communities, particularly the Liangmai Naga people.

The Liangmai Naga Council (LNC) said today that "arbitrary and unilateral move" by (SHCA) has given a serious concern and is perceived as a direct affront to the dignity and customary authority of the Naga communities, in particular the Liangmai Naga people.

For the sake of public understanding and historical clarity, the LNC affirmed that the Nepali (Gorkha) families residing in Irang Part 1 and 2 were respectfully settled on these lands by the Liangmai Naga community.

Saying that their (Gorkhas) presence here spans several decades and they have coexisted peacefully, fulfilling their responsibilities, the LNC said that areas stretching along the Imphal-Tamei Road (IT Road) from Kangpokpi town to Tamei subdivision, fall within the ancestral jurisdiction of the Liangmai people.

This relationship is grounded in mutual respect and trust, the LNC added.

In light of this, the LNC said the recent summoning of the leaders of Irang Part 1 & 2, by the "so called" Sadar Hills Chief Association, "without our knowledge and consent", constitutes a serious breach of customary protocols and traditional governance.

"Let this stand as a measured yet firm counsel to the so-called Sadar Hill Chief Association: cease all further provocations and respect the boundaries of customary authority.

Stop overstepping your limits and infringing upon Naga customary rights.

By summoning Gorkha leaders without prior consultation, you are not only undermining established relationships but also courting unnecessary conflict", the LNC said.

The LNC, therefore, said it issued a clear and respectful call to the Sadar Hill Chief Association to refrain from further provocations and unilateral actions.

The LNC also urged the Sadar Hill Chief Association to respect the traditional rights and responsibilities that govern these lands and communities.

"Summoning our tenants without prior consultation undermines long standing community relationships and risks igniting avoidable tensions", it cautioned.

The LNC also said the Liangmai Naga community remains committed to peaceful coexistence and mutual respect among all communities, including "our Nepali brothers and sisters who have long lived among us" .

However, "we will firmly defend our ancestral rights and the integrity of our customary practices against any external encroachment", it added.

The LNC then said, "Let all communities work together in the spirit of respect, dialogue, and harmony preserving the peace that has defined this region for generations" .

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