The Foothills Naga Co-ordination Committee (FNCC) has issued a clarification regarding recent allegations by certain Kuki civil society organisations (CSOs) over an incident linked to a location referred to as “K. Songlung.”
In a press statement, the FNCC said it was “shocked” by what it described as misreporting and misinformation surrounding the episode. The committee stated that the site in question was not a recognised village but an area where temporary structures allegedly linked to illegal poppy cultivation had been set up.
According to the FNCC, a Zeliangrong group dismantled and razed at least three farmhouses near Waphong Inthan, claiming these structures were being used in connection with large-scale poppy cultivation. The FNCC maintained that no legally recognised village had been set on fire.
The committee rejected claims by organisations such as the Kuki Organisation for Human Rights Trust (KOHUR), the Sadar Hills Chiefs’ Association, and the Committee on Tribal Unity that a village called “K. Songlung” had been attacked. It argued that, under the Manipur (Hill Areas Village Authority) Act, 1956, a settlement must meet specific criteria to be recognised as a village and said no such village appears in official records.
The FNCC further asserted that the land historically belonged to an Inpui village and alleged that recent settlers had engaged in poppy cultivation despite repeated warnings from authorities. It said the action taken was directed only at structures associated with illegal cultivation, not at any civilian village.
While expressing regret over the loss of property, the FNCC reiterated its opposition to illicit poppy farming, which it described as a serious social and security concern. The committee also urged all communities to avoid spreading misinformation and to respect traditional land boundaries in the interest of peace.
It referred to a 24-hour ultimatum reportedly issued by another organisation as “provocative” and said it remained committed to maintaining law, land rights, and social harmony in Naga areas.