UKHRUL: The Pipa Association Kalhang Khullen Village on Tuesday condemned the village headman for allegedly violating customary law and creating internal disputes, during a press conference held at the Ukhrul Press Club, Winotang.
The Pipas ordered the headman to step down within five days from January 6, 2026, an extended a deadline following a 20-day period earlier granted to him. They also demanded that the village authority seals, including those of the Headman, Mantri, and Secretary, be surrendered to the village speaker within the stipulated time.
Addressing the press, Luingam Raising, convenor of the Pipa Association Kalhang Khullen Village, said the dispute stemmed from the headman’s actions concerning clan elders.
“We are here regarding disputes among the clan elders. The headman broke the customary law. To stand up against this, the clan Pipas formed the Pipa Association Kalhang Khullen Village on September 5, 2025, where I was appointed as the Convener,” Raising said.
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WK Khokyarwung, secretary of the Kalhang Pipa Association, emphasized the sanctity of customary law, citing both tradition and scripture.
“To understand the custom, I want to quote a verse from the Bible, Galatians 3:15: ‘Brethren, I speak in the manner of men: Though it is only a man’s covenant, yet if it is confirmed, no one annuls or adds to it.’ Before Christianity came, we already had customary laws,” Khokyarwung stated.
According to the association, the headman was earlier directed by Kalhang Village to step down for three years and appoint an acting headman within 20 days after being found guilty of violating customary law and misusing ritual authority.
The issue came to light during the village half-yearly assembly held on August 16, 2025, when villagers questioned the headman over a dispute involving the Pipa of the Ronra Shimray Shang. At the assembly, the headman reportedly stated that there was no court record, petition, or court fee related to the dispute. However, the Pipas pointed out that in 2024, the same headman had issued a clarification or directive recognizing Ningaima Ronra Shimray as the Pipa of the Ronra Shimray clan.
The Pipas alleged that his contradiction amounted to a breach of customary law and an abuse of ritual authority.
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As a result, the Pipas collectively decided to boycott the headman’s court as long as he remained in office. On January 6, 2026, they issued a final five-day ultimatum for him to step down and appoint an acting headman.
The association further asserted that Dominic Ahao Ronra Shimray remains the rightful Pipa (eldest member) of the Ronra Shimray clan.
“In April 2008, Mayopam from Paorei Village was adopted by the Ronra Shimray clan through Dominic Ahao. Similarly, in November 2013, Arjun from Tamenglong was adopted by the Ronra Shimray in Kalhang Village. On both occasions, Dominic Ahao was recognized as the Pipa by the village headman through the presentation of Haora (traditional shawl) and the share of meat (head), symbolizing his rightful status,” the secretary said.
The Pipas revealed that during the half yearly assembly the public initially proposed three forms of punishment, including a fine, against the headman. However, following a plea from the headman and his family, the villagers agreed to reduce the punishment to a single action that is his removal from office for three years and the appointment of an acting headman from his closest family member.
Clarifying false allegations, the association stressed that the action was not mob-driven.
“We want to make it clear that this is not a mob action, as falsely claimed. We are taking lawful and customary action against the headman for violating customary law and ritual authority,” they stated.
The Pipas reiterated that if no acting headman is appointed within the five-day period, they will proceed with further necessary action in accordance with customary law.