Ukhrul: The Thawai Tangkhul village authority under Kamjong District has denied the existence of “Thawai Kuki Village,” stating that it is neither registered with the government nor officially recognized, and has cited documentary evidence.
In a press statement, the Thawai village authority stated that the “penchant for concocting false narratives and fabricating documents among the Kukis is yet again exposed in the Rebuttal statement issued by the so-called self- proclaimed Thawai Kuki Village Authority dated 17.03.2026.”
Also, it stated that the claim that it “existed as an independent Kuki chieftainship village with recognised territorial jurisdiction” was nothing short of falsification.
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“It was during the early to mid-twentieth century that the peregrinating tribe was permitted to settle temporarily in the foothills by the landowner. However, no sooner did they arrive than they began to distort stories and fabricate documents in an attempt to assert ownership of the land,” the authority explained, adding that the recent circulation of similar claims aiming to establish a false narrative through repetition is not an exception.
“Contrary to the press statement by the self-proclaimed village authority, the origin of Thawai Kuki is cited clearly in “Misc Case N0. 232 of 1952-53” in The Court of Sub-Divisional Officer, Ukhrul-1. Shri Povom alias Khupzalam Kuki as Petitioner and 2. Shri Kuingai Khullakpa of Thawai Village as Landowner,” the press statement read.
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Further, it stated that the order was signed by T C Tiankham as SDO, UKhrul, enumerating the following:
1. Khupzalam Kuki has agreed to settle under the patta of Kuingai Khullakpa of Thawai Village.
2. If I were ever to harass the Khullakpa in respect of the land and the village, I have no objection to being turned out.
3. If I am turned out on account of my misbehavior, all my properties, houses, fields, gardens, etc., will be forfeited to the farmer of the village.
4. The member to be settled is 6 (six), who is a member of Khupzalam Kuki`s family.
Moreover, the Thawai village authority claimed that on 24,03,1980, six Kuki families led by Yamkhuhem Haokip reconfirmed that the rightful owner of the land is Thawai Village and agreed on the following terms: that the six families, including Yamkhuhem Haokip, would continue to stay in Houphulong; All house taxes to be paid only through the name of NG Kuingai, Khullakpa; Establishment of a new Village Authority is strictly prohibited; and no new members will be brought in without the permission of the landowner.
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Emphasizing further, the Thawai village stated that perpetual attempts were made from the other end to weave a false assertion, yet oral traditions backed by documentary evidence make it abundantly clear that they were never the owner of the land.
“To this day, the self-proclaimed village is neither recognised nor registered under the state government. They continue to pay their Hill House Tax under the name of Ng Khathing, Headman of Thawai Village. One may invoke constitutional provisions in the air. Still, if the settlement is not registered with the Government, the claim of an independent and distinct village is a noisy gong,” it declared.
In conclusion, the village authority warned Kuki organizations, especially Thawai Kuki, against distorting facts and spreading false narratives.
“Twisting history won’t change the truth. Continued provocation may force Thawai Tangkhul village to invoke Misc case No. 232 of 1952-53, risking the eviction of Thawai Kuki,” it concluded, urging respect for the fact and to maintain peace.