Sandangsenba Maring Village Authority condemns
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 09 2021:
Sandangsenba Maring villagers said it was really unfortunate that a Government department had given permission to conduct a ritual at Chaphu Uppi which has been a contentious issue between villages in the area.
In view of the contentions between villages regarding the ownership of the site, the Government had imposed restrictions under CrPC to prevent any untoward incidents, but allowing of conducting a ritual at the site to one of the party is very unfortunate, said KT Mothil, chairman of Sandangsenba Maring Village Authority.
He added that DFO of Central Forest Division had given permission by an order on July 7 to have Chaphu Uppi cleaned by a team of 15 persons from Andro village on July 9 and permission to hold a religious ceremony to be attended by 20 people at the site on July 11 was also given.
The site has been a bone of contention between Andro and Sandangsenba villages and District Magistrate Kangpokpi had imposed restrictions at the site under CrPC section 144 since March 14 .
Sandangsenba Maring Village Authority condemned the action of the Forest Department which looks like they are siding with a particular party and added that such an act will only increase the possibility of unwanted incidents between the villages in future.
The village authority appealed to the Government not to be biased and repeat such acts in future.
KT Mothil also added that Chaphu Uppi does not find a mention in the list of 365 'Umang Lai' of the state.