Karbi villages deny land encroachment by Nagaland Deputy CM

DIMAPUR — Countering claims made by Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) Chief Executive Member (CEM) Dr. Tuliram Ronghang, representatives from two Karbi villages—Men Tisso and Longkathar—have denied any land encroachment by Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister TR Zeliang.

On June 14, Ronghang told a press conference in Diphu that Zeliang was in possession of over 3500 bighas of encroached land for rubber and vegetable farming. He also claimed that a proposed school project of over 600 bighas was linked to the Deputy CM.

However, in a joint declaration issued on Monday by the Traditional Village Headman (TVH) of Men Tisso, Harsing Tisso, and supported by village members from Longkathar and Lonkathar, the claims and allegations made by the KAAC chief were categorically denied. They clarified that no such encroachment or land possession has taken place within their jurisdiction.

“TR Zeliang has never encroached on any of our village land. Furthermore, he has neither pursued setting up of a school project covering 600 bighas nor does he possess any vegetable farm between or within the jurisdiction of the two villages as stated by CEM, KAAC,” the declaration read.

It also warned that any individuals responsible for misleading the KAAC leadership with “such deception” should reveal themselves or face appropriate legal consequences.