Imphal, Nov 27: BJP MLA Dinganglung Gangmei from Manipur’s 54-Nungba Assembly constituency has raised serious concerns over what he describes as increasing infiltration and land encroachment in areas inhabited by the Zeliangrong community.
In a Facebook post, Gangmei warned that “new villages are sprouting up along the highway” and that “outsiders are claiming ancestral land rights,” posing a direct threat to the community’s identity and territorial rights.
“Our concern now is the growing issue of infiltration and land encroachment in our areas where the Zeliangrong people reside, particularly in Manipur,” he wrote. “The silence of our community on this issue has been detrimental to our collective well-being. It’s time for the present generation to stand up and assert our rights, protecting our land and heritage.”
Gangmei, a retired IAS officer and a prominent member of the Zeliangrong Naga community, reiterated the urgency of collective action to safeguard community interests.
His remarks come just five days after the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF)—an underground group currently engaged in peace talks with the government—launched its fourth operation against illegal poppy cultivation in Kangpokpi district on November 21.
Concerns over infiltration have escalated in recent months, with increasing reports of people crossing over from Myanmar into Manipur’s border areas.
