BY PC Bureau
April 5, 2025
A long-standing land dispute in the villages of L. Phaijang and L. Tangnuam (Haraothel) in Kangpokpi District, Manipur,  erupted into violence on Saturday, even as the the district administration had imposed preemptive curfew under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023 on April 2 itself..
The conflict centers around a chunk of land known as Gulpi Tuitin, historically significant to the residents of L. Phaijang and L. Tangnuam (Haraothel). According to a press release issued by the chiefs of the two villages, the area was demarcated under the SDO Saitu Gamphazol vide orders dated December 22, 1999, and January 15, 2002.
The land, once a village of their forefathers, is now used for agricultural purposes. However, the Konsakhul Village Authority began development activities on the land without the knowledge of its owners, sparking outrage among the residents of L. Phaijang and L. Tangnuam (Haraothel).
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The situation worsened when the Konsakhul villagers allegedly disregarded two key orders: one from the SDM, Kangchup Geljang (No. SDM(K-G)9/LO/2024, dated March 21, 2024) and another from the BNSS (No. DC(KPI)1/1/L&O/2016, dated April 2, 2025). These orders were intended to maintain the status quo and prevent further escalation. A joint representation by the chief of Haraothel and the secretary of L. Phaijang was submitted to the Deputy Commissioner of Kangpokpi on May 3, 2024, seeking intervention, but the Konsakhul villagers continued their activities.
On April 5, 2025, at
Disregard for Govt Orders Leaves Two Injured as Tensions Erupt in Kangpokpi’s Kangchup Geljang Region Over Land Dispute
https://t.co/zkPaOEAChG— The Hills Journal (@HillsJournal) April 5, 2025
around 1:00 PM, Konsakhul villagers began working on the disputed land with machinery, ignoring the standing orders. When residents of L. Phaijang and L. Tangnuam (Haraothel) demanded that the workers stop, a physical altercation broke out. The clash resulted in minor injuries, with the chief and chairman of Konsakhul Village Authority also sustaining injuries during the scuffle.
Amid reports that they were abducted by the Kuki militants, the chief and chairman of Konsakhul Village Authority were taken to a hospital in Imphal for treatment, as per reports.
In response to reports of a “likelihood of serious breach of peace, disturbance to public tranquility, and grave danger to lives and properties,” the District Magistrate issued an order on April 2 itself prohibiting construction and development activities in the area from 17:00 hours until further notice. The curfew applied to the villages of Konsakhul, Haraothel, and L. Phaijang, but exemptions have been made for government agencies involved in law enforcement and essential services, including medical services.
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The press release from the chiefs of L. Phaijang and L. Tangnuam (Haraothel) accused the Konsakhul villagers of a “blatant breach of government authority” and called for the administration to safeguard their land. They warned that any untoward incidents or consequences would be the responsibility of the concerned authority. The statement also urged the public to avoid believing any false narratives that might arise from the situation.
Today while HM @AmitShah is engaging Meiteis & chin kukis for Peace Deal,some armed 40/50chin kuki militants have reportedly abducted the village chief of Konsakhul.
Despite Manipur being placed under PR,the audacity of chin kukis haven’t stopped.pic.twitter.com/u0UnGEa2y7— JJohnnymeitei (@JohnnyMeetei) April 5, 2025
The District Magistrate’s order has been widely circulated, with copies sent to the Superintendent of Police, Kangpokpi, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Kangchup Geljang, and other relevant authorities for enforcement and public awareness. The order is also to be uploaded on the district website and posted on notice boards for transparency.
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As tensions remain high in the region, the administration has called for calm and compliance with the curfew to prevent further violence. The situation underscores the deep-rooted issues of land ownership and governance in Manipur, where historical claims often clash with modern development efforts.
