Row over police stations UNC seeks Centre's intervention
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 14, 2013:
The Government of India will be failing its Constitutional obligations of protecting the land of the tribals if it does not intervene into the issue of keeping 120 tribal villages of Saikul sub-division, Senapati district under jurisdictions of Imphal East District Police and Thoubal District Police.
The inclusion of 120 tribal villages under Saikul Sub-division of Senapati District under various Police Stations of Imphal East District and Thoubal District by the Government of Manipur (GoM) cannot be for anything but to carry out its communal policy to intrude upon the lands of the tribals in the name of security, and law and order, the UNC alleged in a press statement.
It asked, "Why can't the tribal villages continue under the original police stations or if it is necessary, why cannot new police stations be opened up in the respective Districts ? " The alleged communal GoM seeks to control the tribals and their land through its policing machinery by tagging the above villages to police Stations of Imphal valley districts and by diluting the distinct district boundaries.
The Government of India (GoI) cannot remain a silent spectator when every attempts are being made by the GoM to separate the tribals from effective ownership over their land.
The Manipur Land Reforms and Land Revenue Act (MLR & LR Act) passed by the Parliament is applicable only to the valley area of Manipur.
But the usurpation of tribal lands by the GoM goes on unabated with subtle policies such as this.
The GoI will be failing its constitutional obligation of protecting the land of the tribals if it does not intervene and allow the GoM to have its way and bulldoze over the rights of the tribals, it stated.