Govt evicts encroachers from Heingang Hanachingkhong
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, October 24 2015 :
State Forest Department on Saturday evicted encroachers who were allegedly living under illegal constructed houses in the controversial reserve forest area of Heingang Hanaching under Imphal East district.
Chief Conservator of Forest Sanjenthong, Mahindra Pratap; Centre District Forest Officer, Mantripukhri, Joykumar and police and IRB personnel along with two excavators began the eviction work at around 8.30 am Saturday.
One Forest Department official said that an order was issued in 2009 and show-cause notices served had been served many times so that the residents could vacate the area of Heingang Hanachingkhong.
In connection with the issue, one House Committee comprising of seven members was set up in July 27, 2014 by Manipur Legislative Assembly.
The Committee ordered the Forest Department to do the necessary and the Forest Department in return served show cause notices for over five-six times, said the official.
At least 64 structures and houses, out of which 32 were for Muslims, which were allegedly constructed illegally, were destroyed during the Saturday's eviction process.
Hanaching Leikol which was constructed by Heingang villagers 25 years ago was also demolished during the drive apart from Lokchao Sericulture farm which belonged to Sericulture Department.