From Our Correspondent
NONGPOH, May 2: Raid Nongpoh has dismissed allegations of forceful eviction and crop destruction at Lum Wyrtoh, labelling claims made by a section of farmers as “baseless and misleading.”
Addressing a press briefing on Saturday, Linus Lyngdoh, the Lyngdoh of Raid Nongpoh, stated that no coercive action had been taken against cultivators. He maintained that the Raid has consistently informed farmers of the land’s status for years, well before his appointment to office.
Lyngdoh clarified that while the Raid had invited four representatives for discussions regarding a submitted letter, a large group allegedly entered the Dorbar Hall without permission, recorded videos of the leadership disrespectfully, and demanded a public meeting.
Responding to claims that cultivation in the area dates back decades, Lyngdoh emphasised that Lum Wyrtoh is a sacred hill. He noted that even the founding clans of Raid Nongpoh have never claimed ownership of the land. He stressed that the Raid is committed to preserving the site for future generations and will not allow indiscriminate occupation under the guise of farming.
He further denied allegations that the land had been “sold” to the Soil & Water Conservation Department. Instead, the department has been granted temporary access for approximately three years to implement environmental restoration, including afforestation and the improvement of water sources. The land will revert to the Raid once the project is finished.
Lyngdoh expressed concern over environmental damage caused by unsustainable practices, noting that rampant deforestation and the planting of areca nut trees near water sources have caused springs to dry up.
Criticising remarks made by Alfonbirth Kharsyntiew of the Hills Farmers Union (HFU), Lyngdoh regretted that the organisation’s General Secretary spoke publicly without consulting the Raid authorities. He alleged that the statements were influenced by vested interests and failed to reflect the reality of the situation. “He should have first met the Raid authorities to understand the matter,” Lyngdoh said, adding that the Raid does not issue land titles for Lum Wyrtoh due to its sacred status. He also rejected comparisons to boundary disputes in other areas, stating this is a matter of land preservation, not a boundary conflict.
Countering claims that the affected parties are economically vulnerable, Lyngdoh argued that areca nut cultivation requires significant investment. He alleged that some claimants are government employees or individuals who have leased out land for profit. He further claimed that individuals from outside areas, including Dawki and Umtyrnga, have been brought in to occupy Raid land through informal arrangements.
The Raid leadership pointed to meetings held in June 2022 and January 2023 where farmers were explicitly told they could not claim ownership and were permitted only seasonal cultivation. Despite formal notices issued in early 2023 and again in May 2025 asking claimants to present land documents for verification, no individuals reportedly came forward.
Lyngdoh reaffirmed the Raid’s commitment to environmental protection and warned that any resistance to restoration efforts would be met with appropriate action.
He urged all parties to honor previous agreements and allow the restoration work to proceed without obstruction.
