Manipur: COCOMI Condemns Assault on Liangmei Woman by Tenant Settlers

IMPHAL: The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has condemned the alleged assault on a Liangmei woman by “tenant settlers” in Konsakhul village on January 7.

The incident, where the woman was attacked and her mobile phones destroyed while working on her agricultural land, has been described as a “clear manifestation of encroachment and exploitation” against indigenous communities in the region.

COCOMI Media Coordinator Yumkhaibam Surjitkumar Khuman, in a press release, stated that such acts of aggression must not be tolerated. The rights group pointed out that members of the Chin-Kuki community were reportedly responsible for the attack, which COCOMI believes is part of a wider pattern of land encroachment and territorial aggression affecting indigenous people in Manipur.

Historically, Konsakhul, one of the oldest Liangmei villages, had permitted settlement by the Leilon Vaiphei community. However, COCOMI claims that the situation has worsened as “tenant settlers” have increased in number and are now attempting to assert control over the village’s land. The committee warned that these settlers are surrounding the village, undermining the indigenous population.

Drawing on the Manipuri proverb “Yong Na Loupu Tanlakpa” (Owner of the Paddy chased away by invading Monkeys), COCOMI emphasized the ongoing systematic encroachment by immigrant groups and unregistered refugees, further exacerbated by administrative ambiguities regarding land records. This lack of clarity has emboldened the settlers, making it easier for them to justify illegal occupations.

COCOMI urged the Konsakhul Village Authority to remain vigilant and called for the state administration to take action based on historical records to prevent further encroachments. The committee also appealed to indigenous communities in Manipur to be cautious when considering new settlement requests in their areas.

ALSO READ: Rs 25 Lakh Ex-Gratia Announced for Vaikunta Ekadasi Stampede Victims

ALSO WATCH: