Recognition of 10 villages invalidated
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 27 2022: The revenue department has informed DC Kang pokpi not to provide compensation to 10 villages located between Tairenpokpi and Tamenglong protected forest area affected by the widening of National Highway-37 (Imphal-Jiribam) road.

In a written communique, deputy secretary (revenue) informed DC Kangpokpi that no compensation shall be paid to 10 villages located along the highway between Tairenpokpi and Tamenglong protected forest area affected by the widening of Imphal Jiribam road.

Recognition of the said 10 villages lying within the protected forest area given by the erstwhile Hills (now Tribal Affairs & Hills) department cannot be valid, the communique said.

Adding that the recognition order passed by TA & H department violated rules and business of the state government.

While citing a ruling of the Supreme Court of India, the communique said that an order without the approval of the government cannot be termed as government's order.

The state government declared Tairenpokpi-Tamenglong protected forest area with the issuance of gazette notification on January 10, 1966 and all activities unrelated with forest including agricultural activities and house construction are prohibited completely.

As per Section 30 and 32 of Indian Forest Act, 1927, anyone who encroaches into forest area and indulges in illegal activities could be prosecuted and accordingly no compensation shall be given to 10 villages located in Tairenpokpi-Tamenglong protected forest area which are to be affected by widening of Imphal-Jiribam road, the communique maintained.

Mention may be made here that DFO Bishnupur had on May 18 informed chiefs of 10 villages namely Kotlen, S Laijang, Longa Koireng, Phol-jang, Thanglongbung, Bijang, Longjang, Namthanjang, Aithu and Longching to submit documents relating to ownership of the villages within a week and the villages will be declared as encroachers if they fail to produce the relevant documents.

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