SFs encroaching fertile lands should be stopped: PPCM to Govt
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 26 2020:
The Protection and Preservation Committee, Manipur (PPCM) has urged the State Government to stop security forces from encroaching on fertile land.
According to a release of PPCM, acting under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), the security forces have been doing whatever they want encroaching lands wherever they think fits their purpose.
The Kangla was once occupied by the security forces for a long time, but after they were moved out from there they occupied a fertile land covering many hectares at West Keithelmanbi, Luwangshangbam, Matai, etc, PPCM said.
PPCM said the security forces have been continuously encroaching fertile lands.
Setting up of camps at educational institutes have caused great inconveniences to the students while occupying hillock where people go for exercise and yearly worshipping of the Gods of the areas have been restricted by their occupation of the areas.
There was also a recent issue of security forces occupying a large area of land in Moreh, it said.
The camp at Leimakhong in Kangpokpi District under Sadar Hills is still trying to encroach on areas to make it bigger, PPCM claimed.
Areas in Sekmai, Kanglatombi, Karto Sabal, Chingmang have been encroached to make their camp bigger, it said.
PPCM has demanded the Government to clarify whether the encroachment by SF is done with the knowledge or permission of the State Government.
If the State Government continues to do nothing to stop the SF from encroaching on fertile lands, it will invite a strong agitation from the people, PPCM added.