Zero FIR filed against KNF for erecting gate
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, May 20 2024: A Zero FIR has been filed against the Kuki National Front (KNF) for erecting a gate at the foothills of Thangjing Hill, a protected forest site.

The complaint was lodged by under-secretary (land resources) Mangoljao Kamei at Imphal police station on Monday.

The charges against KNF include criminal conspiracy, promoting enmity between different groups on the grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings, belonging to dacoits, statements conducing public mischief with intent to cause, and making fresh clearings on prohibited land.

In a detailed complaint, Mangoljao Kamei referred to a photograph circulated on social media that showed a gate bearing the words "Kuki National Front-Military Council" and identifying the location as "Thangting," which appears to be Thangjing Hill (Thangjing Ching) .

The forest, environment & climate change department issued an order on February 19, 2024, stating that Thangjing Hill range falls within the Churachandpur-Khoupum protected forests, which was notified on September 17, 1966, under Section 29 of the Indian Forest Act, 1927 .

Furthermore, Thangjing Hill is a site of historical significance, declared as a protected site by the art and culture department, under Section 4 of the Manipur Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1976, as per Gazette No 376 dated November 14, 2022 .

The erection of a gate by KNF, indicating the site name as "Thangting," is considered an unauthorised change of the original name, Thangjing (Thangjing Ching) .

This act is a violation of the provisions of the Manipur Names of Places Act, 2024, and Section 4 of the Manipur Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1976 .

Consequently, the complaint requested for registration of a Zero FIR at Imphal PS since Thangjing Hill falls under the jurisdiction of Henglep PS .

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