Manipur : A village based in the periphery of Imphal valley with a religious ceremony erected two boundary pillars in the Imphal East district of Manipur. Nongshum village which was settled in 1942 is one of the last villages in the Imphal valley adjoining Ukhrul and Kangpopki districts which happens to be the Hill area of Manipur.

Meitei Leepun, the Imphal-based Meitei organisation took the initiative to demarcate this village as there are no official records maintained by the villagers. Around fifty strong volunteers of Meitei Leepun led by the founder M. Pramotchand Singh along with village authorities, elders, and villagers inaugurated two village pillars demarcating the boundaries.

Pramot in his address echoed that Meiteis are gifted with a large area of land by their forefathers but for ages, they have taken the matter for granted and stopped protecting their land. Some people get allotments in such village areas in Manipur valley and somehow make documents. When we realise how come they got settled in valley lands it becomes too late for them to approach the court. He further states they never thought others can occupy the valley lands officially and we left such land unguarded. 

Nongshum is the last Meitei village in the Northeastern part of Manipur and it has erected a borders pillar which indicates that the village is dwelling since 1942 from now onwards all will know that these areas will be under the village and they should not occupy. Pramotchand also said that this is a good initiative and that all such Meitei villages, particularly in the periphery should undertake these actions to protect the land given by the forefathers.

N. Sanatomba Meitei, Zela Parishad, Makeng Dolaithabi who was the Chief Guest said that this initiative is a new one but is very important as there are chances of conflict in the future. He also added that the erection of the boundary pillar is not to fight among communities but to avoid any future disputes among communities. His area shares borders with Hill communities as a result there are chances of disputes. He thanked the organisers for making him part of this landmark event.   

Y. Thabal Singh, President NDC Nongban was also present and a short religious prayer was undertaken by the village priest.

It is to be noted that Meitei Leepun is working for the unity and cohesive co-existence of the Meitei community and has been undertaking various activities ranging from social work, societal reformation, and environmental issues as well as taking care of people in the last mile. Meitei Leepun under the leadership of its founder has trained volunteers in hundreds and is growing its base in Manipur. Many intellectuals of the society have taken note of their positive actions and have come forward to support the Meitei cause.