ATSUM submits memo to Dr Najma
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 11 2018: The All Tribal Students' Union, Manipur (ATSUM) has submitted a memorandum to the Governor to take up necessary action to declare Langol Reserved Forest which falls within the hill areas as null and void, to protect the life and property of the villages inside the said area and to stay the proceeding of the eviction process.

A press release issued by ATSUM today mentioned that almost all the tribal villages nearby Langol Reserved Forest namely Pantilong, Nagaching, Aenon, Tharon, Tarung, Guigailong, Ramgailong, Lanthungching and Khundi (Lainingkhun) villages were established since the ancient days and were also recognised by the British and they have been paying hill house tax to the State Government for the use of land forest under Hill Areas (Hill House Tax) Act, 1966.Forest is a concurrent list under 7th Schedule of the Constitution and as such at the time of issuing eviction order under Manipur Forest Rules, 1971, the matter must be referred to the Central Government but the State Government failed to do so, it alleged.

Claiming that declaration of Langol Hill Area as Forest Reserved without consulting the HAC is violation of the Constitution, it said adding that such declaration is not binding and cannot be acted upon.

It also added that at the time of declaration of Langol Reserved Forest/ Khabam Block under Sadar East Range, the matter was not referred to the Central Government as well as the stake holders.

ATSUM said that the said nine tribal villages have been occupying the land since the day of their forefathers and they have their own definite and independent boundaries.

It added that the position of the said villages are protected by the Scheduled Tribes and other Traditional Forest dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 and its Rules, 2008.On November 3, 2005 the Ministry of Environment and Forest (FC division) instructed all State and Union Territories including Manipur to follow proper guidelines for diversion of forest land for non- forest purpose.

However, the State Government has failed to.consider the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Environment and Forest.

Pointing out that most of the villages are receiving eviction notice without due process of law and without referring the matter to the Central Government, ATSUM added that such action and inaction of the State Government is akin to atrocities against the villagers.

To the surprise of all, Manipur police personnel, in the last week of June announced that eviction shall be carried out to all the said nine villages, alleging that they are encroachers on Langol Reserved Forest, whereas in fact, they are not encroachers, ATSUM claimed and added that the villagers have apprehension that their dwelling houses might be evicted any time without due process of law as done in the past.

Pointing out that the rights of the villagers cannot be deprived of by the, issuance of an eviction notice without following due process of law, ATSUM demanded the Governor to take up necessary steps to make the declaration of Langol Reserved Forest to be declared null and void, to protect the life and property of the villages and to stay the proceedings of eviction process.

Comment