The Young Kuki stands firm against allegations of violence, calling out the Liangmai community for curfew violations and questionable historical claims in an escalating inter-village conflict.
By PC Bureau
A simmering land ownership dispute in Kangpokpi District has taken a contentious turn as the Young Kuki issued a strongly worded statement on April 7, 2025, in response to a press release by Global Liangmai on the same day. The Young Kuki, representing a section of the Kuki community, has accused the Liangmai community of making baseless and misleading claims, further inflaming an already tense inter-village conflict.
The dispute centers on contested land in Kangpokpi District, where both the Kuki and Liangmai communities have historical and cultural ties. According to the Young Kuki, the Global Liangmai’s press release accused the Kuki community of carrying out a “barbaric attack” on Liangmai villagers. The Young Kuki has categorically denied these allegations, asserting that their actions were purely defensive in response to alleged encroachments by Liangmai villagers on disputed land.
In their statement, the Young Kuki highlighted a specific incident on April 2, 2025, where the Chief of the Liangmai village allegedly disregarded an official curfew imposed by the District Commissioner. The curfew was intended to prevent further confrontations following earlier clashes over the disputed land. The Young Kuki claims that individuals from the Liangmai community defied the curfew, attempting to disrupt public peace by forcibly carrying out activities on the contested land. “The accusations of a ‘barbaric attack’ are unfounded and misrepresent the reality of the situation,” the Young Kuki stated, emphasizing that their response was a necessary measure to protect their rights and maintain order.
Manipur: The Young Kuki issued a rebuttal to the press statement made by the Global Liangmai for their inflammatory statement of mentioning another #BlackDay for the #Kuki@RajBhavManipur @ukhrultimes @IndiaTodayNE @NENowNews @NELiveTV @NortheastToday @HMOIndia @ANI @PTI_News… pic.twitter.com/EM3qenXNbG
— Sumkawn (@Sumkawn) April 7, 2025
The Young Kuki also criticized Global Liangmai for citing historical anecdotes without providing verifiable evidence. They pointed out that the Liangmai community has previously been caught attempting to use fraudulent documents, including a 1922 document allegedly written with a ballpoint pen—a writing instrument not yet invented at the time. “While we do not dispute the story shared by Global Liangmai, we emphasize that the authenticity of such claims remains unverified,” the Young Kuki stated, urging the public to approach the Liangmai’s narrative with skepticism.
Another point of contention is Global Liangmai’s claim that the Liangmai community granted land to the Vaiphei tribe of the Kuki community in 1920. The Young Kuki has called for a thorough evaluation of this assertion, demanding concrete evidence to support the claim. They noted that the Kuki community in the region has been able to present legitimate tax receipts from 1917-1919, 1919-1921, and 1931-1932, as well as documentation through the Kuki Reformation Forum (KReF), to substantiate their historical presence in the Manipur Darbar.
The Young Kuki further accused Global Liangmai of using inflammatory language in their press release, including threats of violence and references to the Kuki community “observing another Black Day.” The term “Black Day” is often associated with historical grievances and protests within the region, and its use has been interpreted by the Young Kuki as an attempt to incite communal tensions. “Such statements constitute hate speech and a direct act of aggression,” the Young Kuki stated, adding that they believe no self-respecting official organization within the
Liangmai community would condone such language.
In a call for de-escalation, the Young Kuki urged the Liangmai community to avoid turning the inter-village dispute into a broader communal conflict. “Portraying oneself as peaceful while simultaneously disregarding the rule of law and disturbing public order only serves to undermine any claims of peace and harmony,” the statement read. The Young Kuki expressed hope for a speedy recovery for individuals injured in the recent clashes and called on all parties to refrain from actions that could further escalate tensions.
The land dispute in Kangpokpi District is part of a broader history of ethnic and territorial conflicts in Manipur, a state known for its complex demographic makeup and competing claims over land and resources. The Kuki and Liangmai communities, both indigenous to the region, have long-standing ties to the land, but overlapping claims have frequently led to friction. The involvement of organizations like the Young Kuki and Global Liangmai has added a new layer of complexity to the conflict, with both sides leveraging historical narratives to bolster their claims.
Local authorities have yet to comment on the latest developments, but the District Commissioner’s earlier imposition of a curfew suggests that the situation remains volatile. Observers in the region are calling for dialogue and mediation to prevent further escalation, emphasizing the need for both communities to work collaboratively toward a peaceful resolution.
As tensions continue to simmer, the people of Kangpokpi District await a resolution that can restore stability and foster reconciliation between the Kuki and Liangmai communities. For now, the Young Kuki’s statement serves as a reminder of the deep-seated grievances and competing narratives that continue to shape the region’s complex socio-political landscape.
