Signatories accuse Lailong S chief of deceit; demand immediate withdrawal of community reserve proposal
Churachandpur: In a strongly worded joint statement issued on Wednesday, chiefs and chairmen of neighbouring villages under Henglep TD Block, Churachandpur, have collectively condemned what they termed as the “unilateral and deceitful” declaration of Lailong S Community Reserved, allegedly made without the knowledge or consent of adjoining village authorities.
The press note, titled “Joint Condemnation”, was signed by the chiefs of Kanpi, Naupang, Muntha, Kamkeilon, Saichang, and Selbung villages, and dated October 15, 2025. The statement expressed deep dissatisfaction and frustration over the declaration of Lailong S as a “community reserved area” by the Forest Department, Government of Manipur, describing the move as “unwarranted and deceptive.”
According to the signatories, the information about the declaration surfaced only on January 25, 2024, when a letter was sent by the Saichang Area Chief Association (SAMCA) to its chairman, following a communication from Mr. Siempee Gangte, who is referred to in the document as the “so-called chief of Lailong S village.” The chiefs allege that the declaration was made on December 14, 2023, without proper consultation or consent from other traditional village authorities.
Citing Section 36(c) of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, the joint statement emphasized that a community or individual must “volunteer” to conserve wildlife and habitat before land can be declared as a community reserve. The chiefs argued that this requirement was violated in the case of Lailong S, asserting that no voluntary assent or knowledge was given by Lailong L village, which also holds jurisdiction and ownership rights in the same area.
Chief Paulai Thangjom of Lailong L village stated that he had not been informed of any proposal or decision related to the community reserve and had “neither given any assent nor volunteered” for inclusion of his village in the reserve. He claimed to have long held separate chieftainship rights, boundary jurisdiction, and ownership of land as per records from the Manipur State Durbar, Hill Office (Judgement Misc. Case No. 528 of 1909–1910, dated December 14, 1909).
The signatories accused Mr. Siempee Gangte of “deceiving all neighbouring chiefs” and of handing over “valuable ancestral assets and tribal land inheritance” to the Forest Department without community approval. They described the act as “detrimental, pusillanimous, and mischievous,” and demanded that he immediately withdraw the ongoing file procedures related to the formation of Lailong S Community Reserved.
The chiefs further warned that any failure to comply with the demand could lead to “unforeseen consequences,” holding Siempee Gangte solely responsible for any future developments.
“We are not happy at all with Mr. Siempee Gangte for his detrimental and mischievous deeds to us and the tribal populace in general,” the statement reads. “We warn you to withdraw the ongoing file procedures with immediate effect. Failing to comply, any untoward eventuality shall be your sole responsibility.”
The statement reflects growing resentment among village chiefs in Henglep Block against what they allege to be an unauthorized encroachment on traditional tribal lands by individuals and government departments under the guise of environmental conservation.
