Phunal Maring VA decries ban on village expansion
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, April 18 2023:
Decrying the restrictions imposed by the government on expansion of Phunal Maring Khul, which has been in existence for around 374 years and paying hill house taxes, Phunal Maring Village Authority chairman P Meba Maring has asked the government to allot land for the increasing population.
Addressing a press meet at the village, which falls under Kangpokpi district, on Tuesday, Meba Maring said that the village has been in existence since 1649 and they have been paying hill house tax.
It is natural to expand human settlement with the increase in population and they are required to build new houses.
At the same time, the village has been protecting the surrounding forest areas and restricting cutting down of trees in and around the village.
It was unfortunate that some individuals shared old satellite images to mislead the public by saying that the villagers are trying to expand its settlement by cutting down trees in protected forest areas, he said, while urging the government to take up appropriate action against the individuals who are spreading false propaganda.
Consequent to such photos shared on social media, the forest department has put up restrictions on construction of new houses, he said and reiterated the demand that the department allot land to accommodate the growing population of the village.