Liangmai Naga Council Manipur Condemns Sadar Hill Chief Association for Overstepping ‘Customary Boundaries’

Ukhrul, May 29: The Liangmai Naga Council, Manipur (LNCM) has strongly condemned the actions of a self-styled group operating under the name “Sadar Hill Chief Association” for unilaterally summoning Gorkha village leaders from Irang Part 1 and Part 2 without prior consultation. Terming the move arbitrary and provocative, the council stated that such actions are an affront to the dignity and customary authority of the Liangmai Naga people.

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In a press release issued on Tuesday, LNCM Vice President Ch. Wisobou expressed serious concern over what it called an “authoritative summoning” of Gorkha leaders by an organization with no jurisdiction over the concerned areas. He stated that the Gorkha (Nepali) families residing in Irang Part 1 and 2 were originally settled there by the Liangmai community and have lived in peaceful coexistence for decades.

“These areas, stretching along the Imphal-Tamei Road (IT Road) from Kangpokpi town to Tamei Subdivision, fall within the ancestral jurisdiction of the Liangmai people,” the statement said. “The relationship is grounded in mutual respect and trust, and any external interference is unacceptable.”

The council accused the Sadar Hill Chief Association of breaching customary protocol and overstepping traditional boundaries by acting without informing or involving the Liangmai community.

“This constitutes a serious breach of customary protocols and traditional governance,” it added. “Summoning our tenants without prior consultation undermines long-standing community relationships and risks igniting avoidable tensions.”

While reaffirming the Liangmai community’s commitment to peaceful coexistence with all communities, including the Gorkha settlers, the council warned that it would firmly defend its ancestral rights and customary practices.

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The LNCM issued a firm yet respectful call to the Sadar Hill Chief Association to cease such provocations and to respect the traditional rights and responsibilities that govern the region.

“Let all communities work together in the spirit of respect, dialogue, and harmony, preserving the peace that has defined this region for generations,” the statement concluded.