The Liangmai Naga Council–Manipur has vehemently condemned what it terms as large-scale arson, property loss, and forceful displacement of residents of Marenmei village in Manipur. In a press statement issued on December 11, the council reported that over 370 houses were razed, livestock looted, and properties above Rs 6 crore destroyed. The villagers are unable to return to their homes as Christmas draws near, the council said.
According to the council, a Working Committee of LNC-M and Liangmai leaders visited Marenmei village on December 7 and confirmed extensive damage following the reported attacks. It also said that several women were subjected to assault during the forced evacuation by miscreants allegedly led by Achan, former EO of Maramthangal CAA, GPRN. The affected families are at present staying in refugee camps under hard conditions.
LNC-M accused the perpetrators of trying to usurp Liangmai ancestral land in contravention of customary laws and added that nobody has any right to alter nomenclature or ownership of traditional land for selfish motives. The council has called upon the authority to protect community land rights, initiate proper legal action, and compensate for losses incurred by the families affected. The council has also urged talks for harmonious co-existence among the neighboring communities.
The council further highlighted the larger ramifications of the incident. It reiterated its commitment to seeking justice and called for intervention by civil society organizations and stakeholders concerned. It mentioned that Marenmei represents growing tensions over land and customary rights in Naga-inhabited areas of Manipur, and no amicable solution has been achieved as of this date, considering the severity of losses sustained by villagers.