Yangoutubi village chief Mangkhopao Haokip on Tuesday issued a clarification over the statement made by the Maring Students Union (MSU) in connection with the inclusion of Yangoutubi village under 42/52 Sibong polling station in Tengnoupal assembly constituency.

MSU had alleged that a new village called 'Yangoutubi' was newly included in the Sibong (42/52) Polling Station which was formerly part of Kwatha. MSU stated that 'Yangoutubi' village is not part of the list of villages in Tengnoupal as listed in Manipur Gazette. With the addition of the new village, 31 new voters have also been added to the electoral roll, it stated.

Speaking to the media at Yangoutupi village, Mangkhopao Haokip said that Yangoutupi existed since the 1960s. “It remained as ‘Kwatha Machet’, a hamlet till 1978. On August 18, 1978, the then deputy commissioner of Tengnoupal HV Lalringa issued an order, wherein it recognised Yangoutupi as a village. Since then, Yangoutupi has existed as a village in Tengnoupal district,” he said.

The village chief also displayed a copy of the said order to the media.

Mangkhopao Haokip said that it being a recognised village, the government had also provided some necessary infrastructures to Yangoutupi village. A Government Aided school was granted and constructed at Yangoutupi village when Jainson Haokip was the MLA of Tengnoupal assembly constituency, he said. A Community Hall, Anganwadi Centre and an ASHA center were also constructed during the tenure of Morung Mokunga and D Korunthang.

“Anyone who has doubts on my words can come to my village and check whether it is true or not,” said the village chief.