In response to allegations made by Dr Tuliram Ronghang, Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC), two village leaders from Longkathar have issued a joint clarification denying that Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister TR Zeliang has encroached on village land.
The statement, signed by Harsing Engti Kathar and Mohuri Engti Kathar, both Village Members of Longkathar Village, was issued to counter remarks made by CEM Ronghang during a press conference held on June 14, 2025, in Diphu, Karbi Anglong. During the event, Dr Ronghang alleged that “Sri. T.R Zeliang, Deputy Chief Minister of Nagaland was in possession of 3500 Bighas of encroached land comprising Rubber Plantation and Vegetable Farming.”
In their rebuttal, the village representatives stated, “The proposed site for Solar Power Project in question touches the two Karbi Villages namely, Men Tisso Village and Longkathar Village. Whereas, between or within the jurisdiction of the two Villages, Sri. T.R Zeliang has never encroached any of our Village land.”
They further clarified that Zeliang has “neither pursued for setting up of a School Project covering 600 Bighas nor does he possess any Vegetable Farm between or within the jurisdiction of the two villages as stated by CEM, KAAC.”
The statement also addressed the potential for misinformation having reached the office of the CEM, warning, “If there is any person/ persons who has misled the respectable office of CEM, KAAC with such deception, we hereby inform such person/persons to reveal their identity before the undersigned, failing which appropriate action will be initiated as per the Law of the land.”
The village members said the clarification was necessary “to clear any existing misapprehension in public domain.”