Liangmai Naga Council, Manipur Reaffirms Maremei as ancient Liangmai settlement

Senapati: The Liangmai Naga Council, Manipur (LNC-M) issues this appeal to elucidate the position of the Liangmai people and dispel any confusion arising from repeated acts of aggression by individuals falsely claiming ownership of Maremei village. These actions have been actively supported by NSCN (IM) cadres under the supervision of the Maram-Thangal Region.

The LNC-M firmly reaffirms that Maremei is an ancient Liangmai settlement, bordered by Maremei river to the north, Ngoki stream (Mayangkhang River) to the east, Thonglang Akutpa to the west, and Katangkari River to the south. Historical records, including the 1894 Hill House tax payment register of British India, recognize Maremei as a Liangmai village. Re-established in 1983, it was officially recognized as a hill revenue village in 1991 with a well-defined land schedule, and Mr. R.K. Remping serving as its village chairman. Since then, the Zeliangrong community, particularly the Liangmai people, have actively worked toward rebuilding this historic village into an inclusive and modern settlement, accommodating genuine plot owners through mutual understanding.

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The LNC-M acknowledges the support of neighboring villages during the recognition process of Maremei village. It also recognizes the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Maram and Thangal Union with the Zeliangrong Union, which affirmed respect for traditional land boundaries. However, despite these agreements, the GPRN, at the behest of Mr. R.K. Remping and certain unscrupulous land speculators, has issued orders falsely claiming that Maremei village falls under the jurisdiction of the Maram-Thangal Region. The LNC-M strongly condemns this reckless and intrusive act, which seeks to unilaterally redraw traditional boundaries without consulting the primary stakeholders, particularly the Liangmai tribe.

Furthermore, the NSCN (IM) cadres, under the direction of its Kilo Kilonser, have committed heinous crimes, including the physical torture and sexual harassment of six innocent Liangmai women in Maremei village. These acts of violence are not only deplorable but also a blatant violation of human dignity and justice.

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The LNC-M emphasizes that all disputes, whether large or small, occurring in tribal or Naga villages have traditionally been resolved amicably through time-honored customary practices. It is therefore shocking and unacceptable that the GPRN has issued an unsolicited and biased verdict in favor of R.K. Remping and the Maram-Thangal Region, bypassing the customary justice system that has governed Liangmai society for generations.

Additionally, the LNC-M clarifies that it does not take satisfaction in seeing Mr. R.K. Remping face consequences for his actions, including executing a Compromise Sale Deed in secrecy with Mr. Lenkhomang Chongloi an act considered treacherous under Liangmai customs and traditions.

The latest and most heinous crime committed by NSCN (IM) cadres under the direction of the Kilo Kilonser took place on March 31, 2025, when more than 30 innocent Maremei villagers were forcibly evicted from their homes in the early hours of the morning. Not satisfied with merely displacing them, the NSCN (IM) cadres and volunteers of R.K. Remping also vandalized many of their homes. To exacerbate their suffering, these cadres further sought to drive the victims away from the temporary shelters where they had sought refuge.

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Therefore, the LNC-M appeals to all non-Liangmai neighboring communities to refrain from engaging in any land transactions with Mr. RK. Remping until an amicable settlement is reached in Maremei village in accordance with Liangmai customary law. The Council also urges all neighboring communities to respect Liangmai traditional and customary practices to foster peaceful coexistence among the various ethnic groups in Senapati town. The Liangmai Naga Council, Manipur, remains committed to ensuring justice, upholding traditional values, and promoting harmony among all communities.

This is a press release of the Liangmai Naga Council, Manipur issued on April 1, 2025