Committee states stand on reserved forest tag to Heibokching
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, October 30 2024: With reference to the recent decision of the state cabinet to declare Heibokching as a reserved forest, the Zeliangrong United Committee, Manipur (ZUCM)-Valley said the forest conservation efforts of the government should not affected Langthabal Chingkha, Langthabal Chingthak and Langthabal Khoupum villages.

Addressing the media at Namdunlong (Pandon), Imphal East district, on Wednesday, ZUCM president Meibon Phaomei urged authorities concerned not to go ahead with the Wangoi Forest Division's plan to demarcate the affected villages Langthabal Chingkha, Chingthak and Khoupum as reserved forest area.

He cautioned that the arbitrary move of the government would not only hurt the sentiments of a community which has stood up for the state throughout history, but also affect the integrity of the state.

Invoking history, he questioned the integrity on the part of the incumbent government and the arbitrary acts of defiance against the will of the kings of the past.

He asked: "Is it right that the orders of the then king, Maharaja Churachand Singh, dated 24-11-1934 (president, Manipur state Darbar Memo No 2803), which allowed Langthabal Chingkha, Langthabal Chingthak and Langthabal Khoupum to be settled, be ignored by the present government? Is it proper for the authority to breach the dignity of the kings? How can Langthabal Chingkha, Chingthak and Khoupum be included under Heibokching Revenue village No 68? .

Would the right thinking citizens and CSOs justify the wrong doings of the state government?" He further questioned how the leaders of Manipur could speak about protecting the indigenous peoples and violate the same by humiliating the indigenous inhabitants of Langthabal Kabui/Rongmeis who have been serving the erstwhile kingdom with loyalty for the welfare of the kings.

"The Kabui/Rongmeis (Zeliangrong) in the valley sacrificed their lives and services in all things including being palace makers, as the backbone of the state," the ZUCM president remarked.

He continued that Langthabal Chingkha, Chingthak and Khoupum villages were allowed to settle in the area as permanent inhabitants during the reign of the then king, Maharaja Pamheiba, also known as Garibniwas (1709-1748 AD) and the then chief forest officer Manipur Administration (Kingdom) assured that Langthabal Chingthak, Chingkha and Khoupum would not be reserved entirely.

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