Ukhrul: Tangkhul Naga Long, Kuki Inpi Ukhrul and Kuki Chiefs of Litan in their joint meeting held on August 8 at TNL Office, Ukhrul Headquarters adopted an understanding that the proposed setting up of Semi Permanent Relief Camp in Ukhrul District is not required and have appealed the concerned authority to instead plan a roadmap for setting up a “permanent resettlement” of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in their origin of place.
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In a press statement signed by Vice President of TNL, RS. Jollyson on Wednesday stated, “As directed by the United Naga Council (UNC) that no permanent structure or Semi-Permanent Relief Camps shall be allowed In Naga areas and subsequently the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) has submitted a memorandum to the Government of Manipur on the same issue. Reiterating to the standing order of the UNC on the matter, it is to remind all the concerned that from time immemorial, all our lands are either owned individually or collectively (clan, village). In recognition of the customary practices as stated, we stand armed with constitutional protection under the Vth Schedule of the Constitution read along with Article 371(c) of the Constitution prohibiting thereof trespasses on our lands from outsiders even by way of purchase.
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“Therefore, arbitrary decision/action for acquisition of our ancestral lands for setting up of Semi-Permanent Relief Camp without the knowledge and consent of TNL would most definitely amount to brazen subversion of our age-old Customary practices and Constitutional protections sanctioned on this behalf. For the reasons most compelling and consequential to the core of our security and protection of our ancestral land, the TNL had a meeting with the Kuki Inpi, Ukhrul and Kuki Chiefs of Litan areas on 8 August 2023 at TNL Office, Ukhrul and unanimously adopted the following points:
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- The proposed setting up of Semi-permanent Relief Camp is not required in Ukhrul district and hence the plan be drop forthwith. The concerned authority should plan out for permanent resettlement in other District.
- No IDPs from other District/State/Country shall be sheltered in the Ukhrul district. In case, if there are any, they should be immediately deported to their respective places.
- In the event of any IDPs taking shelter in temporary relief Camp finding difficulties in moving back to their respective district, the TNL shall assist in every possible way.
“The above resolutions were taken to reflect our utmost resolve to avoid any untoward incident in the future,” the statement read.
On July 8, 2023, The apex body of the Tangkhul Naga tribe, Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) had warned the Manipur Government not to allocate those displaced persons from other districts in the proposed setting up and operation of Semi-Permanent Relief Camps in Ukhrul district.
On 9 June 2023, the Home Department, Government of Manipur had issued office memorandum in regards to setting up and operation of Semi-Permanent Relief Camps in various districts of Manipur, including Ukhrul district in the aftermath of the violence that triggered on 3 May 2023.
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According to reports, Semi-Permanent Relief Camps would be set up at Litan Sareikhong, Mongkot Chepu and Shangkai under Ukhrul Division and at Lamlai Chingphai, Mollen Kamsei, Molnom, Moulsohoi, Mullam, Pashong, Shonghel, Yaolen and Zalengbung under LM Block. A total of 2887 internally displaced persons are currently taking shelters in 12 villages of Ukhrul District.
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