NONGPOH:
The Elaka Nongpoh Sirdarship, in conjunction with the Synjuk ki Nongsynshar Raid, vehemently rejected the assertion reported in the news that the area of Nongkhyllem belongs to the Reserved Forest. This claim of ownership was made by a group that asserted a lineage tracing back 13 generations to the Nongkhyllem.
The matter was extensively discussed during a meeting held by the Elaka Nongpoh Sirdarship, under the leadership of acting sirdar Pillar Stone, and the Synjuk ki Nongsynshar Raid, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Elaka Nongpoh Sirdarship.
During a press conference, Pillar Stone Syiem Nongshai, and the President of the Synjuk ki Nongsynshar Raid, Jedwin Lyngdoh, expressed their strong opposition to the claims surrounding Nongkhyllem, which, according to their records, has been passed down through 13 generations. They also clarified that within the Elaka Nongpoh Sirdarship, there are approximately 12 Raid, such as Raid Nongpoh, Raid Nongkhrah, Raid Nongkharai, Raid Nongkyrla, Raid Sohkwai, and Raid Nonglyngdoh, all under the authority of the Elaka Nongpoh Sirdarship.
It is worth noting that Raid Myrdon has its own ruler, while Raid Marwet and Nongspung fall under the jurisdiction of Hima Mylliem. Some other Raids have become extinct due to government actions, such as the designation of Raid Nongkhyllem as a Reserved Forest.
The leaders pointed out that it is perplexing for any group to lay claim to Nongkhyllem, especially considering the government’s designation of it as a Reserved Forest in 1909. The group making this claim only emerged in 2016, and neither the Elaka nor the Raid within it had prior knowledge of this assertion.
The Synjuk ki Nongsynshar Raid and the Elaka Nongpoh Sirdarship sought clarification regarding the 13-generation claim and expressed their astonishment at its origin. They attributed this claim to the Former Sirdar of Elaka, who appeared to be working independently without consulting the Raid, where the Lyngdoh holds the position of Executive Member.
Consequently, the Elaka Nongpoh Sirdarship and the Raid strongly oppose the claim regarding Nongkhyllem and assert that they have no information about it. They categorically refuse to accept any responsibility for the 13-generation claim.