Arbitrary land transfer worries CRA
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, September 24 2021:
Centre for Research and Advocacy, Manipur (CRA) expressed serious concern over the alleged arbitrary transfer of land by the state government to Power Department on June 23 without the consent of land owners of Mongbung and Muozawl villages in Jiribam district.
A press release issued by CRA president Sanaton Laishram contended that the villagers are feeling agitated and betrayed after the state government transferred land to the Power Department in favour of Manipur Renewable Energy Development Agency (MANIREDA) without consulting the two villages.
CRA noted that the chiefs of Mongbung and Muozawl villages donated 600 acres of land in favour of Agriculture Department for Manipur Plantation Crops Corporation Ltd (MPCCL) under an agreement on January 2, 1981 solely to establish tea plantation to improve job and livelihood of the villagers.
The land was neither on sale nor acquired under Land Acquisition Act with compensations, it said.
As the tea estate became dysfunctional since 2004, the villagers were expecting alternative arrangement for their land or the return of the donated land.
However, instead of returning it to the original owners, the state government transferred the land area from Agriculture Department to the Revenue Department on July 17, 2014, later to Textiles Department, Commerce and Industries, Manipur and finally to MANIREDA on June 23, 2021.The land has been key asset for villagers' livelihood, it said.
CRA considers that the arbitrary transfer of land ownership without consulting the land owners is violation of indigenous rights.
The government should consult and take consent of the Mongbung, Muozawl and Sejang villages and to desist from arbitrary transfer of land to Power Department without their consent.
Further, the government should stop pursuing any projects on the land of the villages without the consent and fresh agreement with the villagers.
The government should arrange alternative livelihood arrangements or return the land to Mongbung, Muozawl and Sejang villages at the earliest, the release further stated.