Churachandpur, October 21: The village chiefs and Chairmen of Henglep Sub-Division in Churachandpur district, have strongly condemned the recent declaration of the Lailong S Community Reserve, stating that the move was unilateral, deceptive, and in violation of multiple legal and customary provisions.

The declaration, reportedly made by Soikhosiem Gangte and the Forest Department, Government of Manipur, covers the jurisdiction of Lailong Lamzapau village. However, the chiefs asserted that they have not seen any official order and were first informed of the decision through a letter dated December 14, 2023, sent by Gangte.

In a statement, the Henglep Sub-Division Chief Association (HSDCA) said the declaration violates the 1956 Peace Accord between Lailong Suongkholal and Lailong Lamzapau villages, provisions of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 and 2002 amendments, the Forest Rights Act, 2006, and the Manipur State Hill Peoples (Administration) Regulation, 1947.

The chiefs also highlighted that Paulal Thangjom, the village chief of Lailong Lamzapau, who holds independent chiefship, jurisdiction, and land ownership since the British era, was neither consulted nor gave consent for the inclusion of his village. Likewise, neighbouring village chiefs and HSDCA office bearers were not consulted, and no No Objection Certificate (NOC) was issued.

Expressing dismay over the announcement, the chiefs warned that the undeclared notification could escalate tensions in the region, where communal sensitivities are already high. They urged S. Siempee Gangte and the Forest Department to immediately withdraw the declaration, halt all ongoing procedures, and prevent publication in the Manipur Gazette.

The HSDCA accused Gangte and the department of deceiving neighbouring chiefs and transferring control of ancestral assets and tribal land to the Forest Department without proper consultation. The chiefs described the move as “unwarranted, deceptive, and mischievous,” emphasizing that any untoward outcomes would be the responsibility of the authorities involved.

The statement was supported by chiefs from adjoining villages including Khanpi, Muntha, Kamkeilon, Naupanglon, Selvung, and Saichang, who expressed solidarity with Lailong Lamzapau’s leadership and condemnation of the unilateral declaration.

Human rights and regional organizations such as Human Rights Watch, Kuki Human Rights Council, and the Kuki Organization for Human Rights Trust have also been monitoring the matter amid concerns over the handling of tribal land and ancestral rights.

The chiefs reiterated their strong opposition, urging authorities to respect customary laws and engage local stakeholders before making any decisions affecting tribal lands and community assets.