Leimakhong, Feb 10, 2026: The Leimakhong Area Chief Organization (LACO) on Tuesday strongly rejected and condemned allegations made by the Konsaram Village Authority (KVA) and K. Lungwuiram Village Authority in connection with the fire incident reported on February 9 at K. Lungwuiram village, terming the claims baseless, misleading, and irresponsible.
In a rebuttal statement issued by its Media and Information Wing, LACO stated that such allegations were not new and alleged that certain elements from Konsakhul and K. Lungwuiram had repeatedly attempted to provoke tension between the two tribal communities. Despite these provocations, LACO said the people of the Leimakhong area had consistently exercised restraint, guided by shared Christian values and a commitment to inter-tribal harmony.
"The sustained calm in the area is clear evidence of our efforts to prevent escalation and discourage aggression in all forms," the statement said.
LACO categorically denied the claim that "approximately 30 unidentified Vaiphei youths" were involved in the incident, calling it a deliberate fabrication.
According to the organization, preliminary assessments and available evidence suggest that the fire was self-ignited, and no credible or verifiable proof has been produced to substantiate the allegations.
The statement further pointed out that Central Armed Police Forces were deployed on active duty in close proximity to the site at the time of the incident, making the narrative of an organized attack highly implausible.
LACO also objected to the naming of four individuals in the allegations, describing them as respected members of society known for their integrity, humanitarian service, and law-abiding conduct.
The organization alleged that including their names amounted to a malicious attempt to tarnish reputations and settle personal vendettas, thereby undermining the credibility of the allegations.
Dismissing another claim, LACO said the assertion that residents of Konsaram were living under "hostage-like conditions" was completely false and did not reflect the ground reality. It accused the issuing authorities of sensationalizing the situation and spreading misinformation that could create fear and mistrust among the public.
While reiterating its condemnation of all forms of violence, LACO stressed that justice and accountability must be based on facts, evidence, and due process, not conjecture or fabricated narratives. The organization urged the Konsakhul Village Authority and K. Lungwuiram Village Authority to immediately retract the allegations and issue a public apology in the interest of peace and communal harmony.
LACO reaffirmed its commitment to peace, harmony, and the rule of law, the statement added.
