IMPHAL December 29: The Joint Action Committee of Makhuam (Marangching) Village (JACMV), Tamenglong District submitted a memorandum signed by Gankhuanlung Gonmei, secretary, JAC to the Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh today demanding the unconditional release of public leader Gongchalung Gangmei and resurvey of land affected by the N F Railway.
The memorandum highlighted the mounting volatile situation following the arrest of Gongchalung Gangmei, president, All Makhuam/Marangching Youth by State police on December 23.
The JACMV in its memorandum has also informed the Chief Minister that any further delay might lead to more untoward situations and the Government will be held responsible for not intervening and responding in time.
It further demanded a proper survey of the affected land so that deserving settlement of rights and compensation under the new Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Resettlement and Rehabilitation Act 2013 can be availed by the land owners.
According to the JACMV, a villager Thonkulung Gangmei had arbitrarily claimed a huge portion of village land as his private land during the NF Survey on November 28 so the irate public torched his Maruti Gypsy.
“This was viewed as a serious challenge and as demeaning and undermining the existing customary law of the village and can amount to dismissing such families from the village. Hence after a public resolution he was given a notice thrice to apologies and withdraw the FIR. So following his indifference his house was demolished on the 21 of December to symbolize that the family is outcast from the village.”
He continued, The State instead of understanding both sides arrested Gongchalung Gangmei on December 23 which has only led to an increase in tension.
Following the arrest, five houses of Thonkulung Gangmei’s relatives were demolished by the public on December 25 and tension has been mounting since then, it said.
We appeal to the government to understand the public sentiment and immediately release Gongchalung Gangmei and notify a fresh survey to pacify the volatile situation. They should also understand that it is celebration time for the people and lift CrPC 144 which is creating so much inconveniences, shared a member.
The submission was also copied to the Deputy Commissioner, Tamenglong; Superintendent of Police, Tamenglong and the Officer In-Charge, Noney Police.