Land ownership in Manipur
- Out mythological or colonial, in democratic norms -

Kaizen *

Prelude

In Manipur, the Meitei, Naga, and other ethnic communities often invoke distinct mythologies and historical narratives to assert ancestral claims over land. These stories form part of their cultural identity - but when these narratives begin to influence legal frame-works and public policy, especially on land ownership, conflicts emerge.

The Rationale

What truly defines ancestral land ?

What are the qualifying parameters ?

Who has the authority to certify it ?

How many generations of occupation must pass before a land becomes ancestral ?

These appear to be simple questions - but the answers are not. They are layered with subjectivity, emotion, and contested histories. In most cases, definitive or objective answers are elusive, if not impossible.

This is where mythology and Constitutional governance intersect - often uneasily.

Mythology vs. The Constitution

Can myths, oral traditions, or folklore override the Constitutional provisions that guide land ownership and property rights in a democratic country like India ?

Should land ownership be determined by historical memory - or by legal clarity ?

In a democracy, the Constitution must take precedence. It is the foundational document that guarantees rights, defines responsibilities, and ensures equity and justice - across castes, tribes, religions, and regions.

While mythologies may enrich our cultural consciousness, they must not form the basis for State policy or legal entitlements.

The Way Forward

Manipur needs a rational, inclusive, and Constitutionally aligned approach to land ownership. Lawmakers must urgently engage in dialogue and deliberation to normalize and codify land laws - ones that uphold justice, preserve peace, and reflect the Constitutional spirit of equality.

Failure to act will not only perpetuate confusion and division but could also lead to serious law-and-order breakdowns in the future. The longer the vacuum persists, the more room it leaves for misinterpretation, exploitation, and unrest.

Conclusion

Land is more than property in Manipur - it is identity, history, and emotion. But in a modern, democratic State, land ownership must ultimately be governed by law, not lore. Democratic principles based on justice and equality should prevail.