Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 03 2010:
Representing numerous villages the Leimakhong Area Tribal Chiefs' Organisation has submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh demanding separation of Leimakhong and its adjoining villages from the Khurkhul Village No.38 and to issue a new village number failing which no land revenue tax would be paid to the office of the SDC, Sekmai.
A copy of the LATCO memorandum issued here pointed out that transfer of land records of Leimakhong and 22 adjoining villages from the SDC, Sekmai to office of Additional Deputy Commissioner, Kangpokpi would facilitate proper administrative convenience of the local community.
It further demanded that the present police outpost be ungraded to full fledged police station in order to ensure timely intervention of security forces to maintain law and order in the said areas.
Reasons for putting up the proposals is said to be violence at Leimakhong bazar on October 11, 2009 by about 700 Khurkhul villagers and issuing threats through the media to disrupt district Council elections.
It is said that when Leimakhong Bazar was stormed last year, signboards inscribed Sadar Hills were pulled down with the alleged intention to include Leimakhong Bazar under Imphal West district.
Regarding threat to ADC polls, LATCO maintained that polling process was disrupted at 13/3 Kangchup MDC under Sadar Hills ADC thereby hurting sentiment of the tribal people for the ADC polls were conducted after a gap of 20 years.
Apart from LATCO functionaries, signatories of the memorandum included chiefs and representatives of Leimakhong bazar Authority as well as NC Phai, Ch Ebenezer, Salem Lhouthang, Vengnom, Hengjang, L Champhai, Khunkho naga, Khunkho Kuki, P Moulding, Molhoi, Mission Veng and Khonsa khul villages.