New villages emerging along highways, outsiders claiming ancestral land: Manipur BJP MLA

Manipur BJP MLA D. Gangmei raised serious concerns over the emergence of new villages along major highways and alleged that “outsiders” were claiming ancestral lands belonging to the Zeliangrong community.

In a statement posted on Facebook, Gangmei said the rapid growth of settlements along the Tamei Road and the Kangpokpi side had created fear and anxiety among locals. “Our concern now is the growing issue of infiltration and land encroachment in our areas where the Zeliangrong people reside. New villages are sprouting along the highways, and outsiders are claiming ancestral land rights. As a peace-loving community, the Zeliangrong people feel targeted and vulnerable,” he wrote.

The Zeliangrong community forms a significant part of Manipur’s Naga population. Gangmei linked the rise of these settlements to illegal immigration, alleging that unidentified groups were occupying land and asserting ancestral claims without any historical basis. “Let’s go and see these highways — the Tamei side (in Naga-dominated Tamenglong district) and the Kangpokpi side. There are many new villages. They are occupying our land and calling it their ancestral land. Encroachment is happening right in front of us,” he said.

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National Highway 37 passes through Tamenglong district, while NH-2 runs through Kangpokpi district — both areas witnessing the alleged encroachments, according to the MLA.

Gangmei criticised what he described as the “silence” of community leaders and institutions, stating that inaction on the matter was proving harmful to the collective well-being of the Zeliangrong people. Stressing the need for unity and vigilance, he urged the younger generation to step up and defend their traditional lands.

“It’s time for the present generation to stand up and protect our rights, our land and identity,” he said, calling for greater coordination, assertiveness and community solidarity to safeguard the tribe’s future.