Forum calls allegations of being “unauthorised” baseless and urges citizens to remain calm
Ahead of the Koridang by-election, the Yimlang Citizens Forum has issued a clarification following a press statement from the Mangmetong Yimlang Riongsanger Putu Menden, which described the forum as “unauthorised.” In its statement released on 13 March 2026, the forum called the allegation baseless and said it functions with the collective initiative and participation of concerned citizens to promote welfare, unity, and progress in Mangmetong.
The forum said it was duly authorised by the President of Yimlang Senso Mundang (Citizen Forum), and the allegation questioning its legitimacy was uncalled for and against the bona fide citizens of Mangmetong.
It further claimed that the Yimlang Citizens Forum is the highest body according to tradition of the Mangmetong yimlang village and it cannot be undermined by any sub ordinate bodies like Riongsanger putu menden that has no legitimatemacy to condemn or question the highest body in any manner.
“The press statement published in print and circulating on social media is strongly condemned, as it was released without the knowledge of the Yimlang Citizens Forum,” the statement read. The forum also urged the Putu Menden to identify the individual(s) responsible for the release, adding that the Menden had decided not to release any statement through print or social media.
The forum clarified that the Putu Menden is not above the authority and collective will of the Mangmetong Senso Forum and the citizens of Yimlang.
“The Riongsanger Putu Menden, being a traditional institution functioning as part and parcel of the community governance structure, must maintain neutrality and should not involve itself in partisan politics or associate with any political party,” it said.
The forum also clarified that no individual has the authority to issue press statements or propagate decisions in the name of the Putu Menden without the knowledge, approval, and collective consent of the institution. It warned that anyone misrepresenting or misusing the Menden’s decisions without proper authorisation will be held accountable and penalised under established community rules.
Further, the Yimlang Citizens Forum reiterated that all organisations operating within Mangmetong’s traditional framework must respect the democratic decisions and resolutions taken collectively by the forum. Any statement or publication issued without the forum’s approval would be considered irresponsible and unacceptable.
The forum assured that it will investigate such matters thoroughly and ensure accountability is established, with any individuals acting against collective decisions answerable before the people and community institutions. Residents were also urged not to panic or be misled by misinformation or unauthorised statements.
“All matters concerning the community are being addressed through proper consultation and democratic processes. The decisions taken collectively by the Mangmetong Yimlang Senso Forum, representing the voice and mandate of the citizens, shall remain final and binding in the interest of maintaining unity, peace, and stability within the community,” the forum assured, urging all sections of society to remain calm, responsible, and supportive of the collective decisions taken for the welfare and future of the people.