Lamkangs protest

Our Correspondent
Tengnoupal, Oct 3 : Amidst rising concerns over safeguarding indigenous communities in Manipur, a strong protest has emerged from the Lamkang community against the appointment of a Nepali as the village chief of Thamlapokpi in Chandel district.
Issuing a strong statement, Beshang Tholung, the descendant of Thamlapokpi village founder Late Th Wangshul, condemned the move stating that it goes against the identity, tradition, and Constitutional rights of the Lamkang Nagas, a recognized indigenous tribe of Manipur. He demanded immediate resignation of the Nepali village chief saying that his claim to the title is “null and void”.
According to him, the Lamkang Naga Kver Kunpun (LNKK), the apex body of the Lamkang Nagas, was founded to protect and safeguard the interests of the Lamkang people.
He alleged that the current leadership of LNKK had failed in its duty by allowing a non-indigenous person, SK Lovemol, a Nepali by origin, to be recognized as the chief of Thamlapokpi village.
“Leadership of a Lamkang village or any tribal village must remain within the bloodline of the indigenous community. No outsider, whether Nepali or any other foreigner, can be recognized as a chief of a Lamkang or Naga village,” said Beshang Tholung.
He further stressed that the very foundation of Thamlapokpi village and its recognition as a Lamkang settlement was being undermined by this development.
Beshang Tholung also warned that if corrective measures are not taken immediately, the Lamkang people, along with other indigenous communities, may launch democratic agitations including highway blockades along NH-102.
“The land of Thamlapokpi belongs to the Lamkang people. It cannot be sold, transferred, or handed over to outsiders. Any attempt to distort this reality will face strong resistance,” he asserted.
On a separate note, tensions have heightened following the disappearance of two Lamkang men—SS Simeal (32) and Th Jimreev (33), who went missing after leaving Dimapur on September 18. The LNKK has accused rival forces of being responsible for their disappearance and warned of intensified agitation if they are not traced within five days.