UKHRUL: The All Naga Students’ Association Manipur (ANSAM) has sought a public clarification from Bimol Akoijam, Member of Parliament from the Inner Manipur Lok Sabha constituency, over statements he allegedly made regarding forest land in the hill areas, the demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for Meiteis, and the constitutional safeguards for hill areas under Article 371C of the Constitution of India.
In a memorandum issued recently, ANSAM expressed concern that the remarks, which have circulated widely on social media since January 14, could undermine the constitutional and historical rights of indigenous tribal communities in the state. The student body emphasised that Article 371C was introduced during Manipur’s transition to statehood to safeguard the interests of tribal communities in the hill districts, particularly regarding their land, resources, customs and governance through the Hill Areas Committee.
The organisation also highlighted that courts, including the Supreme Court of India, have previously affirmed that land in the hill areas traditionally belongs to indigenous tribal communities under customary ownership systems. According to ANSAM, this system differs from the valley areas of Manipur, where land administration largely falls under statutory revenue laws.
Raising concerns over suggestions that forest land in the hill districts could be open for claims by non-tribal communities, ANSAM urged the MP to clarify whether the statements reflect his personal views or the official stance of the Indian National Congress.
The association further noted that constitutional safeguards for tribal communities exist across the Northeast, citing examples such as Article 371A of the Constitution of India in Nagaland and protections in other tribal-majority states. It questioned what it described as inconsistencies in political positions, pointing out that Congress leaders have supported stronger constitutional protections for tribal communities in other regions.
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ANSAM stressed that responsible public discourse is crucial at a time when Manipur faces ongoing social and political challenges. It urged the MP to issue a clear public clarification on his position regarding Article 371C, tribal land rights in the hill areas, and the implications of extending ST status to communities outside traditional tribal groups.
The organisation stated that such clarification is necessary to maintain trust and ensure constitutional safeguards for tribal communities in the state.