14 shops dismantled at Langol Tarung
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 09 2019:
With the help of a strong police force, Forest Department today dismantled 14 shops built inside reserved forest area of Langol Tarung.
As the Forest officials arrived at the area together with a strong police force, local people and shopkeepers raised a stiff opposition which resulted in a tense stand-off between the two sides.
Central Forest Division DFO RK Amarjit said that 14 shops built illegally within Langol reserved forest area were dismantled this morning under the Indian Forest Act 1927 and the Manipur Forest Rules 1971 as part of the Forest Department's drive to evict encroachers from reserved forest areas.
A notice was served to all the shopkeepers/owners on June 7 to remove all illegal structures from Langol reserved forest area.
The notice further intimated all concerned to send replies/objections by June 15.As the replies/objections submitted by shopkeepers were not satisfactory, the shopkeepers were intimated to remove all their shops by July 8 .
As the shops were found still standing this morning, the shops were dismantled today by Forest Department with the help of Imphal West District Police and Lamphel Police, said DFO RK Amarjit.
There are more shops, houses and other structures which must be removed from reserved forest areas, said the DFO.
Due legal process is underway and once this process is completed, illegal structures built inside reserved forest areas would be dismantled, he said.
However, Lucy Gangmei a vegetable vendor at Langol Tarung expressed strong resentment against dismantling the 14 shops built on either side of the local vehicle waiting shed.
She contended that the 14 shops did not touch Langol reserved forest area.
All these shops were built beside the road beyond the fence of Langol reserved forest.
She maintained that they would re-build the shops and continue their trade as they are dependent on the shops for their livelihood.