Govt nixes chiefs claim over Thangjing hills
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, February 19 2024:
The state government has declared as non-est the claim made by the chief of the so-called Ukha-Loikhai Village regarding Thangjing Hills on February 16 .
According to order issued by special secretary (Forest, Environment & CC) RK Amarjit Singh on Monday, the present day Thangjing Hill Range falls within the Churachandpur-Khoupum Protected Forests which was notified on September 17, 1966, vide Notification No 55/10/66-M(2) under Section 29 of the Indian Forest Act, 1927.The present day Ukha-Loikhai settlement falls within the boundary of this Protected.
Forest.
It continued that the order for setting apart Ukha-Loikhai from the Churachandpur-Khoupum Protected Forest was cancelled, vide Office-Memorandum No.1/46/2018/Forests, dated November 7, 2022, of the PCCF & HoFF, Manipur.
A fresh inquiry in this regard has already been initiated by the state government.
Additionally, there are no records of the so-called "Haokip Reserved" notified under any Resolution/Act/Rules as per records maintained by the state government contrary to the claim made by the self-proclaimed chief.
The order further stated that Thangjing (Thang Ching) is a hill of historical importance because of which the Government of Manipur had declared it as a protected site under section 4 of the Manipur Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1976, vide Gazette No 376 dated 14/11/2022.Therefore, the claim made by the individual is fabricated and concocted one with a mala-fide intention to mislead the general public.
The same has no locus standi and hence treated as non-est, it declared, adding that the same has been issued with the approval of the com petent authority.