"Govt notification ignored the rights of traditional forest dwellers"
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 23 2022:
The Zeliangrong United Front has reacted sharply to the notification issued by the State Government in regard to Tairengpokpi-Tamenglong Protected Forest.
In a release issued by John Pame, secretary Information & Publicity, ZUF, the front alleged that the said notification has directly ignored the rights of the traditional forest dwellers.
"The land of Zeliangrong since time immemorial has been preserved and owned by the community having their sovereign customary power and rights, long before the creation of Manipur state", it claimed.
The front also mentioned that there has been no Act or law passed by the State or the Nation to nullify or supersede the Customary rights of the tribal community.
"Our history of struggle against foreign occupation and that of colonial power were never for or in defence of Manipur.
Our struggle continues up to this day with the age-old traditional right to self determination over our land and its resources", said ZUF while adding that any attempt from any quarter to claim possession of the land and forest would be resisted and fought for.
The front appealed to the Government of Manipur to reconsider its notifications, orders or any other Act in matters of the land of Zeliangrong.
ZUF further urged all the villages and authorities concerned to cooperate and safeguard the common ancestral traditional rights of the land.