Protest staged against imposition of Forest Act at Chingdai
Source: The Sangai Express

Kangpokpi, May 31 2022: People of Chingdai area in Kangpokpi district held a sit-in-protest today against the alleged 'unlawful' imposition of the Forest Act in Chingdai area.

Many people including women and youths of the area participated in the sit-in-protest organized by Chingdai Area Kuki Youth Organization and the area chiefs.

The protestors held various placards that read, "We oppose Indian Forest Act, 1927 and its Amendment Act", "Colonial Rule and Acts should not infringe the legal rights of tribal chiefs", "State Govt should implement Scheduled Tribes and other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Forest Rights) Act, 2006 enacted by the Parliament of India", "Withdraw Indian Forest Act, 1927 and it's Amendment Act from Tribal Villages", "Respect the Land ownership Rights of Tribals", "Justice for Tribal people" among others.

Seilal Haokip, president of CAKYO alleged that the village chiefs had no knowledge of Khamenlok-Gwaltabi Reserved Forest, and no notification from Forest Dept and Settlement Dept had been received about the Government proposed Khamenlok-Gwaltabi Reserved Forest in 1946 in compliance with the Indian Forest Act, 1927 .

He continued to allege that this was clear evidence of the Government's attempt to occupy or grab tribal's land and suppress tribal rights.

Asserting that they will not accept such a cruel act of Government, he added that any development work regarding reserved forest status within the Chingdai area without consultation of the village chief and without the consent of the people is null and void.

He also appealed to the State Government to implement the Scheduled Tribes and other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Forest Rights) Act, 2006 enacted by the Parliament of India immediately.

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