Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 23 2010:
The Khurkhul Nupi Chaokhat Lup and the Senjam Khunou and the Senjam Chirang Joint Development Organisation have decried the inclusion of some areas of Khurkhul under Sadar Hills sub-division.
A gazette notification issued by the Principal Secretary (Hills) on September 22, 2009 identified some portions of Khurkhul 38 as villages of Sadar Hills though these areas originally fell under Imphal West district.
Speaking to media persons at Manipur Press Club here today, secretary of the Khurkhul Nupi Chaokhat Lup, Kh Dhanabati denounced the gazette notification which put some areas of Khurkhul 38 like Leimakhong under Sadar Hills.
These areas originally fell under Imphal West district and many tribal communities were living together with the people of Khurkhul, Dhanabati said.
The number of tribal people rose sharply after the Naga-Kuki clash.
In spite of Khurkhul people's repeated appeals and reminders to the Revenue Commissioner and the SDC concerned not to issue new pattas, more and more villages were established in Leimakhong area.
Ultimately, the area has been converted into a constituency of Autonomous District Council, she lamented.
Categorically stating that no polling station for ADC polls can be opened in this area, the Khurkhul Nupi Chaokhat Lup demanded immediate segregation of Khurkhul area from Sadar Hills and inclusion under Imphal West district as was the case before.
The Senjam Khunou and Senjam Chirang Joint Development Organisation have raised strong objection against inclusion of Haraoching, which was recognised by the Manipur State Durbar in 1927 as a valley area, in Sadar Hills after renaming some portions of it as Haraothel.
Joint secretary of the organisation I Ranjana said that Haraoching served as pasture as well as source of fire wood for the last many decades for the three/villages located around it.
Tribal people started making their settlement in Haraoching area since about 1982.Some portions of this area were included under Sadar Hills by a notification issued by the Principal Secretary (Hills) on September 22 last year.
Against this notification, the Gauhati High Court has issued an interim order following a complaint filed at the Court, informed Ranjana.
The organisation further demanded immediate annulment of the Government notification and to maintain the status quo of the area.