HSA appeals
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 13 2016: The Hmar Students' Association (HSA), GHqs has appealed the State Government to consider the grievances of the Hmar community living in Jiribam Sub-Division with regard to its intention to upgrade Jiribam sub-division to a full fledged revenue district.

Way back in 2007 HSA had stated that no decision should be made by the Manipur Government without consulting the Hmar populace who inhabit a large area of Jiribam.

HSA, in a statement said it is dismayed by the failure of the Govern- ment to consult Hmar people and further expressed disapproval over the 'decision' taken by the State Government allegedly with only a section of the many communities living in Jiribam.

"HSA is appalled to learn about the Government's dictate to stop the payment of hill house tax without citing any reason and without notification.

The association is also apprehensive of the intention to convert the Constitutionally protected tribal land in general and Hmar village land in particular to revenue land and laments the great loss of land that had occurred earlier in Zaironpokpi and Muolzawl", it added.

All the Hmars in Manipur and elsewhere will stand for the rights of Hmar populace in Jiribam, it stated.

The association has further appealed the State Government to consider the grievances of the Hmars in Jiribam and objected to all attempts to marginalise and rob the Hmar people of the Constitutionally protected tribal lands and tribal rights.

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