Mongbung chief condemns transfer of land
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, September 07 2021: Chief of Mongbung village in Jiribam district expressed strong resentment against alleged arbitrary transfer of land by the government of Manipur to the Power Department on June 23 2021 in favour of MANIREDA.

In statement, Mongbung village chief s Haokip stated that he and chief of Muolzawl villages donated 600 acres of land in favour of Agriculture Department for Manipur Plantation Crops Corporation Ltd (MPCCL) under an agreement signed on January 2, 1981 solely to establish tea plantation.

It was neither on sale nor acquired under Land Acquisition Act with compensations but clear donation to improve job and livelihood of the villagers, the statement said and rued that the land transfer was finalised without the consent of the landowners.

It also pointed out as the tea estate became dysfunctional since 2004 due to mismanagement by the government the villagers were expecting either alternative arrangement for their land or the return of the original land, which is a major asset for their livelihood.

However, instead of returning the land to the original owners, the government transferred the land area from Agriculture department to the Revenue Department, Commerce and Industries, Manipur and finally to MANIREDA on June 23, 2021, the statement said.

"The Mongbung villagers reiterate our objection to the arbitrary transfer of land to Power Department without the consent of Mongbung, Muozawl and Sejang villagers.

The arbitrary transfer of land ownership without consulting the land owners is a clear violation," it said.

While urging the state government to stop any project on the land without the consent and agreement of the villagers, the village chief asserted that any arbitrary and forceful transfer of land shall be opposed tooth and nail.

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