Over 370 houses destroyed, properties ransacked at Marenmei, says LNC
|
IMPHAL, Dec 11 : Following reports of large-scale devastation in Marenmei village, the Working Committee of Liangmai Naga Council has confirmed that more than 370 houses have been destroyed, livestock stolen, and properties including Church assets and community storage facilities ransacked.
The estimated loss of property amounts to approximately Rs 6 crore, said a press release issued by WC LNC(M).
The WC LNC(M), together with Liangmai leaders, made the assessment during an official visit to Liangmai Marenmei village on December 7, 2025.
With grave concern, the Committee noted that the villagers were forcibly coerced and evacuated by miscreants, with women among those allegedly manhandled and brutally beaten. The perpetrators were said to be acting under the command of Achan, former EO of the Maramthangal CAA, GPRN.
The displaced residents are currently living in refugee camps, deprived of their homes and means of livelihood.
Even as the issue remains unresolved with no amicable solution in sight, the Committee has urgently appealed for recognition of rightful ownership, restoration of justice and respect for customary law and peaceful coexistence.
It asserted that every land, hill, river, and mountain in the Naga Hills belong to its rightful community or clan. No individual has the authority to seize land arbitrarily or alter its nomenclature to suit personal interests, said the Committee.
Saying that the rightful owners must be acknowledged and compensated for their losses, it asserted that forced displacement and "unlawful occupation" are unacceptable under both customary and legal principles.
Additionally, all communities must respect each other's customary laws, historical facts, and legal rights. Dialogue, mutual respect, and lawful processes alone can ensure lasting peace.
With the Christmas season approaching, symbolising love, peace, and reconciliation, WC LNC(M) termed it profoundly disheartening that the people of Marenmei village cannot return to their village to celebrate in safety and dignity.
It has urged the authorities, civil society, and all stakeholders to act swiftly and responsibly to restore peace, dignity and lawful ownership to the rightful inhabitants of Marenmei village.
The estimated loss of property amounts to approximately Rs 6 crore, said a press release issued by WC LNC(M).
The WC LNC(M), together with Liangmai leaders, made the assessment during an official visit to Liangmai Marenmei village on December 7, 2025.
With grave concern, the Committee noted that the villagers were forcibly coerced and evacuated by miscreants, with women among those allegedly manhandled and brutally beaten. The perpetrators were said to be acting under the command of Achan, former EO of the Maramthangal CAA, GPRN.
The displaced residents are currently living in refugee camps, deprived of their homes and means of livelihood.
Even as the issue remains unresolved with no amicable solution in sight, the Committee has urgently appealed for recognition of rightful ownership, restoration of justice and respect for customary law and peaceful coexistence.
It asserted that every land, hill, river, and mountain in the Naga Hills belong to its rightful community or clan. No individual has the authority to seize land arbitrarily or alter its nomenclature to suit personal interests, said the Committee.
Saying that the rightful owners must be acknowledged and compensated for their losses, it asserted that forced displacement and "unlawful occupation" are unacceptable under both customary and legal principles.
Additionally, all communities must respect each other's customary laws, historical facts, and legal rights. Dialogue, mutual respect, and lawful processes alone can ensure lasting peace.
With the Christmas season approaching, symbolising love, peace, and reconciliation, WC LNC(M) termed it profoundly disheartening that the people of Marenmei village cannot return to their village to celebrate in safety and dignity.
It has urged the authorities, civil society, and all stakeholders to act swiftly and responsibly to restore peace, dignity and lawful ownership to the rightful inhabitants of Marenmei village.