Ukhrul, Jan 22: The people of Marem Khullen village in Ukhrul District have dethroned Wungpam Lungranwo from his position as headman following accusations concerning the village’s land in what the villagers described as “violation of the extant customary laws of the village.”
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The decision, a press communiqué issued on January 22, 2025, was taken unanimously during the village’s Annual Assembly on January 14, 2025. The Marem Khullen villagers say the decision is prompted by issues surrounding the ongoing NH-202 Double Lane Road Widening Land Compensation project. Villagers allege that Wungpam Lungranwo failed to protect the community’s land ownership rights, thereby violating the village’s customary laws and putting its interests at risk.
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The controversy stems from the order issued by the Deputy Commissioner of Ukhrul (Order No. 10/207/2033-REV(Ukl)/0748, dated July 31, 2024) which reportedly flagged lapses on the part of the headman Wungpam Lungranwo. The village assembly deemed his actions a serious breach of responsibility, leading to the resolution to dethrone him as headman with immediate effect.
The press communiqué states, “wherein deliberate lapses are clearly evident on the part of Mr. Wungpam Lungranwo, then Headman of Marem Khullen Village, for letting the land ownership right of the village at risk which tantamount to violation of the extant customary laws of the village.” It also added, “therefore, it is hereby informed and declared to the general Public and all concerned public offices/authorities that the people of Marem Khullen Village in its Annual Assembly (14/01/2025) unanimously resolved to dethrone him as Headman/Chief of the Village with immediate effect.”
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Furthermore, the assembly’s resolution states that the dethroned headman, Wungpam Lungranwo will remain removed from office until the issues are corrected in favor of the village. Public offices, private companies, and other concerned authorities have been instructed not to recognize or act on any communication from him in the capacity of headman.
“This is being issued for kind information of the General Public and for necessary action by the concern public office authorities/private agencies,” the press communiqué of Wednesday added.
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