Kangchup Chiru VA opposes eviction drive
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, November 29 2022:
Kangchup Chiru Village Authority chairman TR Jacob has opposed the 'unannounced eviction drive' conducted by Forest Department in the presence of divisional forest officer in the village on November 26, citing the land being under Kangchup Chiru Reserved Forest area.
In a release, Jacob said as Kangchup Chiru Reserved Forest area comprises 2.59 sq km, it is questionable how the size increased 2-3 times.
Kangchup Chiru VA also questioned the authority concerned on how the reserved forest boundary has changed from Sembum Lok to Maklang river.
The villagers will not accept arbitrary change in boundary of the reserved forest without consulting them, it asserted.
Kangchup Chiru VA emphasised that they recognise Kangchup Chiru Reserved Forest and are protecting the area.
It will be better if the Forest Department demarcates the forest area by reaching an understanding with the village chairman and villagers.
Hence, the department concerned should not carry out any activity in the village, until an agreement is reached on the boundary of the forest area, it further conveyed.