Residents of Leitanpokpi village in Imphal East district have submitted a memorandum to the Governor of Manipur protesting the construction of a road allegedly encroaching upon Leitanpokpi hilltop, locally known as Leitanpokpi Uyok Ching.
The memorandum, submitted under the banner of the Young Sporting Club, objects to the construction of a road connecting Maibung and Gangpijang villages, claiming that the alignment cuts through land legally owned by Leitanpokpi village.
According to the memorandum, the disputed hilltop was acquired by Leitanpokpi village following an order dated January 13, 1999, issued by the then Sub-Divisional Officer, Sadar Hills East, Saikul. The villagers stated that ownership was formalised through a registered sale deed and supported by official trace maps, copies of which were submitted to Raj Bhavan for reference.
The memorandum further alleged that the road was constructed by members of the Kuki community without authorisation, leading to encroachment on village land. It also cited a Preliminary Offence Report (POR) filed by the Kangpokpi Forest Division on November 4, 2025, under the provisions of the Indian Forest Act, 1927, and the Manipur Forest Rules, 2021, declaring the road construction illegal.
The villagers contended that alternative routes already exist to connect the concerned villages, including the Imphal–Saikul Road and another road passing through the western slope of Purum Khunou Hill. They claimed that the latter was constructed by the community in 2023 without formal approval, questioning the necessity of the new road alignment through the Leitanpokpi hilltop.
Seeking immediate intervention, the villagers urged the Governor to halt further construction and take appropriate action to prevent encroachment on village land, citing environmental, legal, and community concerns.
No official response was available from the district administration or concerned departments at the time of filing this report.
