Tangkhul CSOs revoke ban after assurance from Minister
Source: The Sangai Express / Mungchan Zimik
Ukhrul, May 11 2018:
The Tangkhul (Civil society organizations) today unanimously resolved to revoke the decision of indefinite ban of Forest Minister Th Shyamkumar from entering the Tangkhul inhabitant areas.
TNL president Weapon Zimik pronounced the revocation decision after the Forest Minister provided a positive response.
Earlier, before the pronouncement of the decision^ a joint meeting of Tangkhul CSOs, representatives from TNL, TSL, TKS, TMNL, Zonal chairmen, AHTA, Forest Minister, councillor Mark Luithing, DFO Ukhrul was held at TNL office.
During the meeting, Shyam Kumar stated that the timbers were seized after receiving reports on massive deforestation in the hill districts of Manipur from various agencies, besides his personal concern as a Forest Minister on the rapid forest depletion.
He added that preservation of forest is the need of the hour and is the only measure to prevent environment destruction, reports our correspondent.
The Minister further stated that construction of guest house at Ukhrul is in the pipe line.
The Tangkhul CSOs were impressed with the assurance given by Shyamkumar to protect, safeguard and respect the Tangkhul tradition and customary laws in letter and spirit.
While ADC member, Ukhrul Mark Luithing expressed the initiative of TNL president Weapon Zimik to resolve the misunderstand between the Minister and the CSOs on the whole matter.
The CSOs ban the Minister from entering the Tangkhul inhabitant areas on April 10 after the incident of timber seizure at Soraithem Village.
The president in his welcome speech acknowledged and appreciated the good gesture of Forest Minister for coming to TNL office to sort out the misunderstanding.
He said the assurance of the Minister and his commitment to protect and uphold the traditional culture of Tangkhul will bridge the gap and progress towards development.
It might be mentioned that among the Tangkhul CSOs, the Tangkhul Headmen Association (TNWL) has firmly stood its stand to ban the Minister.