TMB Correspondent
Churachandpur: The people of Churachandpur, under the aegis of Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF) resolved to oppose all forms of land survey in the district. The resolution was adopted during a one-day “Public Consultative Meeting” on Reserved Forest/Protected Forest/Wetland/Wildlife Sanctuary held at Young Paite Association Hall, Hiangtam Lamka in Churachandpur.
The meeting unanimously resolved that all forms of survey in their lands be opposed and objected at any cost by all groups and organisations as there are procedural lapses.
It also resolved that people’s representatives i.e. MLAs from the district should take a common stand against the ongoing survey and surveys to take place on protected forest/reserved forest/wetland preservation/wildlife sanctuary and the plan to complete cancellation of Pattas/Jabamandis on April 30 by the government, if they all represent the public.
They are expected to declare their stand within seven days from this date and move the issues legally to the court for justice. Along with resolving to support ITLF in any issues taken up, the august gathering in the strongest terms rejected the office memorandum issued on November 7, 2022 by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF) & HoFF and the same be nullified.
It may be noted that the Forest Department and Revenue Department have been carrying out joint surveys in Churachandpur – Khoupum Protected Forest allegedly bypassing the knowledge of village chiefs and village authority. The move faced stiff opposition from the KSO Churachandpur and the ZSF. Thereafter, several village chiefs along with Churachandpur AC MLA LM Khaute met Chief Minister N. Biren Singh in his chamber and raised their objection to the joint survey.
The Chief Minister reportedly told them that the survey will be put on hold. The joint Kuki CSOs of the district also raised their objection against the joint survey. The public consultative meeting was attended by various CSO leaders of RPZI, KSO Churachandpur, Zomi Students’ Federation, All Manipur Tribal Union (AMTU), women’s union leaders, Church leaders and tribe based organisation leaders and chief associations.
