The Salaicha Pibarel Apunba Lup (SAPAL), Langathel, has rejected claims by any individual or group over the Pibakonjin and Khenam hill areas, asserting that the land belongs to Langathel village.
In a statement issued by its Convenor, Hemajit, the organisation said the areas have long been associated with Langathel’s traditional and ritual practices and have been used by villagers for cultivation, plantation and conservation activities for generations. SAPAL claimed that the land was recorded as part of Langathel village under the Valley Village Reserve Forest notified by the Manipur State Darbar in 1932.
The organisation also opposed attempts to rename the hill areas as “Lamyeng Thing” and rejected claims reportedly made by some residents of Lamlong Khullen village over the land.
SAPAL further alleged that on June 13, Langathel Club volunteer P. Ranachandra was assaulted and threatened by some individuals from Lamlong Khullen while verifying reports of damage to plantations in the area. It claimed that the volunteer had gone to the site only to ascertain facts and was not engaged in any cultivation activity.
Condemning the alleged incident, SAPAL urged all concerned to refrain from intimidation and interference in plantation and conservation activities being undertaken by Langathel villagers. The organisation also appealed for restraint to prevent further tensions in the disputed area.
