Fri Jan 10 18:47:08 UTC 2025: ## Kuki Village Chief Denies Assault Allegation in Manipur Land Dispute
**Imphal, Manipur –** A dispute over land in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district has escalated, with conflicting accounts emerging regarding an alleged assault. A Naga woman claimed she was assaulted by Kuki villagers while attempting to build a house in K Lungwiram Naga village. However, Haopu Vaiphei, chief of Leilon Khunou village (a Kuki village), vehemently denies the allegation, calling it “baseless.”
Vaiphei stated that instead of an assault, village elders approached the woman to request she halt construction due to ongoing unrest in the state. He emphasized that police intervened promptly to prevent any escalation. He further stated that the woman’s subsequent video alleging assault has inflamed tensions, leading to roadblocks by the Eastern Liangmai Women Union.
A member of the village chief’s family, Rufina Chindeiniang, provided further context in a video statement. She claims the woman is not a resident of K Lungwiram, but rather came from Imphal. Chindeiniang argues the incident stemmed from the woman purchasing land from Amson, the chief of Konsakhul, which allegedly belonged to Leilon Khunou village. She challenged the woman to provide land ownership documentation.
The dispute involves a broader land ownership conflict. The World Kuki-Zo Intellectual Council (WKZIC) condemned a quit notice issued to Kukis by the Konsakhul Village Authority, citing allegedly forged documents. The Konsakhul Village Authority, in turn, claims the Kukis are tenants and must vacate the land.
Adding to the complexity, the Foothill Naga Joint Action Committee questioned the claims of the Kangpokpi-based Kuki organization Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), accusing them of hypocrisy and involvement in the alleged assault. The committee asserted their commitment to neutrality in the broader Kuki-Zo and Meitei conflict.
A hearing regarding the land dispute is scheduled for January 10th at the office of the Deputy Commissioner, Kangpokpi. The incident highlights the ongoing tensions and complex land ownership issues fueling the conflict in Manipur.
First Piper 