UKHRUL: The Rongmel Naga Council Manipur (RNCM) has submitted memorandums to the Manipur Chief Minister, Y Khemchand Singh, on his maiden visit to Tamenglong District on Saturday.
The memorandums refer to the stationing of the Jiri Police station and the erection of a police check gate at Leingangpokpi under Tatbung village in Tamenglong District, and the Kaiphundai Reserved Forest extension and Reserved Forest Oinamlong, which are placed under Jiri Forest Division, although they are several kilometers well within the Tamenglong District.
Also read | NBSE Adds 12 Indigenous Languages to Class IX Syllabus
On the stationing of the Jiri Police and the erection of a police check gate of Gulartol at Leingangpokpi, the RNCM stated that the check gate is well within the jurisdiction of the Tamenglong District, four kilometres inside, to be precise. The council stated that the issue remains a grave concern, having been left unattended since 2011, although it was initially leased to the 5th Assam Rifles, measuring 10 Bighas for operational purposes. It also stated that the lease was effective from 1st January, 2008 to 30th June 20 2008 as per the NOC issued by the Chairman/Chief of Tatbung village authority. Additionally, it stated that the lease with the Assam Rifle authority, as recorded, is extendable up to six years, beyond which the villagers may claim compensation, and any lease/agreement made between any two parties hereafter was not known to the village authority of Tatbung village.
Further, it stated that a series of representations were made to the authorities by numerous civil organizations on the issue, demanding that the station be placed under the Tamenglong District Police department administration, but were not satisfactorily responded to. The RNCM decries that such encroachment with the mere justification of administrative convenience for policing in the Hill region is considered a challenge to the constitutional rights of the indigenous hill people to protect the right to possession of their land and resources, a serious breach of authority and power, that may imply serious legal debates.
Also read | Manipur CM Visits Jiribam, Reviews Ground Realities
The committee then cautions the government to handle the situation carefully, while adding that it desires a system based on mutual respect and tolerance to avoid negative escalation that may be detrimental to all.
Moreover, in another memorandum, the RNCM raises the issue of the Kaiphundai Reserved Forest and the Reserved Forest, Oinamlong. RNCM stated that despite the areas falling several kilometers within the Tamenglong District and an interim order of the Manipur High Court, the Kaiphundai Reserved Forest is currently placed under the Jiri Forest Division.
“The proposal for another extension of Reserved Forest, Oinamlong, placing it under Jiri Forest Division, which is also within the jurisdiction of Tamenglong District, is a matter of serious concern, to which the people strongly desire your esteemed intervention,” RNCM said, adding that it viewed such action as a serious constitutional breach, posing a threat to the constitutionally guaranteed Right to ownership and possession of the land and resources of the indigenous Hill people in Manipur, under Article 371, (c). of the Indian Constitution.
Also read | ANSAM, Rengma Students’ Union Condemn Assault, Robbery of Rengma Youths in Kangpokpi District
Criticizing that such an arrangement by the govt, without the least concern for the sentiment of the people, might bear a serious implication, the RNCM urges the Chief Minister to consult the matter with all the stakeholders and resolve the issue by placing them under the Tamenglong Forest Division.
In conclusion, the RNCM expressed that the memorandums were submitted to foster better understanding among communities and to maintain peaceful coexistence based on mutual trust and respect.