On Friday, a protest rally was organized by various groups, including the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF), in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district to protest the alleged encroachment of tribal lands by reserved forests and wildlife sanctuaries.
The protesters claim that the state government’s decision to declare certain parts of the state, particularly the hill areas, as reserved forest areas has resulted in the eviction and demolition of properties without providing any rehabilitation or resettlement arrangements for the affected families.
Protests in Manipur
Despite prohibitory orders, a large number of people gathered near Thomas in Kangpokpi town for the rally, which resulted in an altercation when police attempted to disperse the crowd, leading to violent clashes.
Teargas shells were used, causing injuries to at least five protesters, while some police officers were also hit by stones.
The protest was against the state government’s alleged injustice towards the land rights of the tribal people, specifically regarding the government’s decision to declare certain parts of the state, particularly the hill areas, as reserved forest areas.
Following the declaration, the state government reportedly evicted and demolished properties without providing any rehabilitation or resettlement arrangements for the affected families. When police attempted to stop the protesters, a clash broke out between them and the security forces.
Encroachment Question
The recent eviction of K. Songjang village on February 20 highlights the issue of alleged encroachment on protected forest land in Manipur.
The village was deemed to have been constructed illegally along the Churachandpur-Khoupum stretch of protected forest, based on a Google map that showed only two or three structures/houses built before 2021.
The majority of houses, around 13 or 14 structures, were found to have been constructed after 2021, making them illegal according to the government.
The village was therefore bulldozed with the prior legal procedure being served to the village Chief, as claimed by the government.
A similar situation is unfolding in the village of Kungpinaosen, Kangvai sub-division, Churachandpur district, where a show-cause notice has been issued directing the villagers to vacate the area due to alleged encroachment on protected forest land.
State Govt issued statement
According to a statement released by the state government, the cabinet determined that the rallies held in support of an unconstitutional cause were illegal.
As a result, the government has withdrawn from tripartite talks/SoO agreements with three hill-based insurgent groups, namely the Kuki National Army (KNA), and the Zomi Revolutionary Army (ZRA), whose leaders are from outside the state.
The statement also reaffirmed that the government will not compromise on measures taken to protect the state’s forest resources and eliminate poppy cultivation.
Furthermore, the Deputy Commissioners (DC) and Superintendents of Police (SP) of Churachandpur and Tengnoupal have been issued show cause notices for allowing the rally in violation of prohibitory orders under CrPC 144.
The statement added that strict action will be taken against officers responsible for security lapses.
The Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and United People’s Front (UPF), two umbrella groups of Kuki militants, signed a tripartite SoO agreement with the governments of India and Manipur on August 22, 2008, and the government has been extending the agreement since its expiration. The KNA and ZRA are signatories of the KNO.
Keep Reading
- The work of 3Gs at the age of 5G internet: The Google, Government and Governance in Manipur
- Odisha panchayat polls: Tribals protest against reduction in quota
- Delhi protests: Tribal inhabited hills declared as reserved forests in Manipur
- School Kholo Protest of Tribal students in Latehar, What are their demands?
Follow Ground Report for Climate Change and Under-Reported issues in India. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Koo App, Instagram, Whatsapp and YouTube. Write us on GReport2018@gmail.com.
