Patta-less families seek benefits, rights
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 05 2018:
Families living at different places of Imphal West district who do not possess pattas (land ownership documents) have appealed to the State Government to ensure that they are given equal rights, opportunities and benefits as entitled to other citizens under the Constitution.
Speaking to media persons at Manipur Press Club here today, Yumpham Leijadaba Meeyamgi Apunba Lup, Imphal West president Angom Ingojao said that many families residing at 19 villages of Imphal West district have been denied benefits of all welfare schemes as they do not possess pattas of their homesteads.
Ingojao said that he hails from Phayeng and he now lives on community land with due permission of the villagers after leaving his ancestral land.
"Even though I shifted to the new homestead as compelled by the rising population, I have been living like an encroacher as I do not possess a patta", he said.
He said that they do not receive any kind of benefits from the different welfare schemes as they do not possess pattas for their homesteads.
He said that there are many families who do not possess pattas of their homesteads at Khurkhul, Awang Sekmai, Koutruk, Tairenpokpi, Lairenkabi, Kadangband, Lamlongei, Lambal, Leishangkhong, Patsoi, Senjam Chirang, Chaprou, Loitang Khunou, Awang Leikinthabi, Senjam Khunou, Kanto, Phumlou and Mayang Langjing.
Saying that all these families are indigenous people of the land, Ingojao appealed to the Government to make necessary arrangements so that they are given equal rights, opportunities and benefits as entitled to other citizens.
He went on to warn that all these patta-less families would stay away from the Lok Sabha election if their grievances are not addressed.
Due preparations are being made for a public meeting next week on the same issue, he added.