False Assault Claims Fuel Unrest, Leilon Chief Sets the Record Straight

In a dramatic turn of events, allegations of physical assault against a Liangmai woman by Kuki volunteers on January 7, 2025, have been debunked as baseless, sparking widespread calls for accountability over the spread of misinformation.

Haopu Vaiphei, Chief of Leilon Khunou Village, issued a powerful statement dismissing the claims, labeling the accusations as "fabricated to mislead the public." According to his account, the alleged incident involved a group of village elders, including women, who approached the woman overseeing ground leveling with a JCB machine. Their approach was peaceful, requesting the activity be halted due to the heightened unrest in the region.

In his statement, the chief detailed how both parties agreed not to record the incident to prevent further misunderstandings. The situation was promptly de-escalated by the swift intervention of a Leimakhong Police team, led by the Officer-in-Charge, who ensured peace was maintained. Additionally, the Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) of Kangchup-Geljang personally visited the site, mediated between the parties, and scheduled a formal hearing at the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Kangpokpi, on January 10, 2025.

Shockingly, the same evening, the woman released a video accusing the Kuki volunteers of physical assault—a claim the chief has denounced as entirely false. This video ignited a chain reaction, with the Eastern Liangmai Women Union enforcing a road blockade at Makhan Village. The blockade left hundreds of commuters, including children, the elderly, and the sick, stranded, creating immense hardships for the public.

“This baseless allegation has inflicted unnecessary suffering on innocent travelers and stirred unwarranted tension. Such actions only deepen the divides in our already fragile state,” stated Chief Vaiphei. He appealed to the public to exercise caution, reject misinformation, and await the outcomes of the scheduled hearing.

"The truth behind these allegations must prevail—not only to restore trust but to ensure peace and stability for all communities involved", he stated.