The attack, reportedly carried out by individuals from newly settled Chin-Kuki community groups, represents a direct threat to the safety and rights of the indigenous Liangmei people. Understanding the context is crucial: Konsakhul is not just any village; it is an ancestral home for the Liangmei people, who have a long-standing historical and cultural connection to this land.
Escalating Tensions and Land Issues
COCOMI highlights that this physical assault on traditional leaders goes beyond a simple act of violence. It is seen as a component of a more systematic effort aimed at displacing indigenous populations through intimidation, force, and the illegal occupation of their lands.
The organization points to several concerning factors contributing to the situation:
- Foreign-Origin Settlers: COCOMI has previously issued warnings about expansionist activities allegedly undertaken by foreign-origin immigrant groups, many settling over recent decades after crossing the porous Indo-Myanmar border.
- Aggressive Land Grabbing: These groups, sometimes under the guise of temporary leases or tenancy, have reportedly engaged in aggressive land acquisition, illegal plantations, and the intimidation of native villagers.
- Threat to Stability: This ongoing encroachment poses a significant threat not only to the Liangmei community's security but also risks broader communal unrest within the region.
A Pattern of Concerning Incidents
This latest assault in Konsakhul is underscored by previous incidents cited by COCOMI, suggesting a recurring pattern:
- September 2023: Mr. Z. Hotngambou, a former chairman of a Liangmai village, was brutally assaulted by alleged Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA) cadres in Chalwa, Kangpokpi.
- January 2025: A Naga woman faced harassment and assault by alleged Kuki settlers in K. Lungwiram village when attempting to construct a home on her own land.
- Illegal Checkpoints: The establishment of multiple illegal checkpoints and road blockades by groups allegedly backed by militants has further restricted the movement and access to resources for the native population.
COCOMI emphasizes that these targeted actions are not merely law-and-order problems but constitute a significant challenge to Manipur's territorial integrity and the very existence and cultural identity of its indigenous communities.
Call for Government Intervention
In response to the assault and the broader pattern of encroachment, COCOMI has issued urgent calls to action directed at both the Government of Manipur and the Union Government of India. The key demands include:
- Immediate Intervention: Decisive action is needed to restore law and order in Konsakhul and other affected areas.
- Prosecution of Perpetrators: Law enforcement must arrest and prosecute all individuals involved in the violence and illegal land encroachment.
- Safeguarding Indigenous Rights: Authorities are urged to formally recognize and protect the customary land rights of the indigenous people, ensuring their security and dignity are upheld.
Conclusion: Protecting Manipur's Integrity
COCOMI concludes by reiterating the serious long-term implications of allowing the forceful seizure of indigenous lands by settlers, warning that it could destabilize the state's socio-political fabric and undermine its territorial integrity if left unaddressed. The organization affirms its solidarity with the Liangmei community and all indigenous peoples of Manipur in their efforts to protect their land, culture, and future security. The situation highlights the critical need for immediate and effective governmental action to address the escalating tensions and safeguard the rights of indigenous communities in Manipur.
[This news item was generated based on the provided press communique and edited with the assistance of AI.]
