Meiteis in Nagaon still non-territorial entity
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, April 25 2013:
Despite having enough population of Meeteis in Nagoan district of Assam, they are still under the category of non-territorial entity, Nandeibam Birchan, Member of Ward No 2, Dholpukhri Jilla Parisad has pointed out.
Talking to Hueiyen Lanpao, Birchand informed that out of the total 5 lakh population in Nagoan district, Meetei population constitute round 25,000 in Hojai alone.
Out of 25 members in Dholpukhri Gram Panchayat, 23 are from Meetei community.
Moreover, Meiteis residing in Nagaon are working in various government departments; some of them even occupied positions like DIG, SP, doctors, etc.
But the Meiteis still remain as non-territorial entities.
For the state of Assam, Tiwa Development Council; Rava Hashang Development Council; Dewri Development Council; Hojai Development Council are some of the non-territorial entities, Birchan said.
Nonetheless, in order to protect their identity and land, the Meetei community in Nagaon has formed an association known as Leingak Marup.
The association prohibits selling of agricultural land, houses and other properties belonging to Meetei community under any circumstances, and if needed, the association provides monetary assistance to meet his/her requirement when a Meetei wants to sell his land for want of money, Birchan informed.
Furthermore, since the commissioning of district councils, responsibilities of all the development works have been entrusted to United Manipuri Association.
For the current year, government has sanctioned Rs 2.3 crore to United Manipuri Association and every effort is being made for the Meitei community in Nagaon Hojai to enjoy all the facilities provided under various centrally-sponsored schemes, he added.