Peculiar plants, animals and incidents unique to Manipur

Birendra Laishram *

Sangai - A jewel in the crown for Manipur in 2007 :: Pix - Rocky Pebam

Manipur is known for its unique array of plant and animal species that are not found anywhere else on the globe. Among these remarkable species are:

The Sangai Deer : A Jewel of Keibul Lamjao

The Sangai deer, scientifically known as Rucervus eldii eldii, and also commonly referred to as the brow-antlered deer, is a prime example of Manipur's unique fauna not found anywhere.

This graceful deer is exclusively found in the Keibul Lamjao National Park a floating wildlife sanctuary-the world's only floating National park, characterized by its phumdi (Biomass) vegetation, which are masses of tangled vegetation floating on the surface of Loktak Lake. This creates a unique and fragile ecosystem crucial for the survival home of the Sangai.

The Hoolock Gibbon: A distinct North Eastern primate

Manipur is also home to the Hoolock Gibbon, India's only ape. While Hoolock Gibbons are found in other parts of North East India, the gibbons inhabiting Manipur exhibit subtle differences that distinguish them from other populations.

The Shirui Salamander: A Critically Endangered Amphibian

The Shirui Salamander, a small and elusive amphibian, is among the most critically endangered species in Manipur. This salamander has an extremely limited range, being exclusively found in the Shirui Hills. Its restricted habitat and vulnerability to environmental changes make its conservation a high priority. The Shirui Salamander serves as a valuable indicator species reflecting the health of its fragile mountain ecosystem.

The Shirui Lily: A Rare Floral Treasure

The Shirui Lily (Lilium mackliniae) is Manipur's most iconic plant. This exceptionally rare and beautiful lily graces only the slopes of the Shirui Hills in Ukhrul district. Its exquisite colour, bell-shaped flowers draw botanists and nature enthusiasts from around the world.

The Shirui Lily is not only a symbol of Manipur's natural beauty but also a vulnerable species requiring dedicated conservation efforts. Unbelievably, this plant cannot be survived on any soil in this globe except on this particular area of the Shirui hill !

The Uningthou tree: The State symbol

The Uningthou tree (Phoebe hainesiana) holds the esteemed position of Manipur's State tree. Efforts are underway to protect and propagate this tree to ensure its continued presence in Manipur's landscapes. The meaning of Uningthou means King of Trees.

A Kaleidoscope of rare orchids: A floral paradise

Manipur is a haven for orchid lovers, boasting an astonishing diversity of over 500 different species of orchids. Many of these orchids are unique to the State, adding to its botanical richness. These orchids display a wide range of colours, shapes, and sizes, contributing to the aesthetic beauty and ecological complexity of Manipur's forests. They are prized for research and conservation efforts.

Many more orchids are yet to be explored. The fruits available in the State have different tastes from similar fruits available in other parts of India and the world. The situation is similar in the case of vegetables. The local alcohol is traditionally consumed neat, a practice appreciated by experienced drinkers who understand its potent and wonderful character. Heavy demands give no chances to the blenders to blend the stuff.

Now coming to the Manipur as the people and the world know. During President's Rule in Manipur, the Governor exercises executive authority on behalf of the Central Government. Transport regulations must then adhere to the central Motor Vehicles Act of 1988. The State Government cannot enact regulations contradicting the Central Act.

While it retains the power to formulate specific rules for motor vehicle administration (eg, licensing, road safety, traffic regulation), these rules must remain consistent with Section 28 of the Act. The State cannot overrule or amend the Central Law. Concealing a Government vehicle's registration number and State label raises legal and ethical concerns, as vehicle identification is crucial for accountability.

The Manipur Transport Department regulates vehicles under the Central Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and related State rules. The central question is: can Ctate executives, citing security threats, order Government vehicles to conceal registration numbers and State labels to enforce road safety ? Temporary directives should generally adhere to the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.

Exceptions are permitted under:
1) Section 87 of the Motor Vehicles Act (temporary permits);
2) Section 144 of the CrPC (emergency orders);
3) State Government emergency notifications;
4) Disaster Management Act, 2005 (movement regulation); and
5) Section 188 of the IPC (disobedience penalties).

Legal experts should assess alignment with prevailing circumstances. Implementing authorities in Manipur include: State Police and Law Enforcement Agencies (Manipur Police, Commando Force); District Administration (Deputy Commissioners/District Magistrates); State Transport Department; Home Department; Central Armed Forces (Assam Rifles, CRPF); and the Governor's Office.

Security decisions should be backed by formal orders and legal provisions. If the government claims adequate security is in place, concealing the state label and registration number is questionable. Security measures should be comprehensive, deterring threats and maintaining public confidence without compromising legal or administrative norms.

While removing identifying marks might prevent targeting, it also raises concerns about transparency and regulatory consistency. Liability for Motor Vehicles Act violations in Manipur is outlined in Chapter XDI of the Act. Drivers, owners, or operators violating the Act face fines, imprisonment, or other penalties. Government officials abusing authority can also face legal action.

During President's Rule, any Governor's order concerning motor vehicles must adhere to the central Motor Vehicles Act of 1988. The Governor must operate within the legal confines of the Central Law. An illegal order conflicting with the Motor Vehicles Act is subject to legal challenge and judicial review. Individuals affected by illegal orders can seek legal redress.

Government officials enforcing such orders may face legal consequences. Specifically, orders inconsistent with the Motor Vehicles Act during President's Rule can be challenged because:
(1) the Governor's authority under Article 356 doesn't supersede central laws; and
(2) contradicting orders are illegal and subject to judicial review.

The Supreme Court and High Courts can invalidate unconstitutional, illegal, or rights-violating orders through judicial review initiated by affected citizens. Filing a writ petition in the High Court (Article 226) or Supreme Court (Article 32) to quash the order, seeking interim relief to stay enforcement in future.

Beyond the specific context of the Motor Vehicles Act, other potential issues include concerns about restrictions on freedom of movement, potential violations of contract law, the suppression of parliamentary acts, the failure to uphold constitutional principles, and the problematic implementation of agreements related to the Merger Agreement, highlighting the broader implications of this form of governance which may seldom found in other parts of the globe.

Lastly, the shortest recorded flight is the Westray to Papa Westray route in Scotland, which covers just 2.7 km and takes about 53 seconds. The shortest helicopter route taken by a dignitary was in Manipur, India, where Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla flew just 6 km from Imphal Airport to Raj Bhavan (26/05/2025). This is not a scheduled flight.

Any tribal community can live and buy land in the valley, but valley people cannot live and buy land in the hill areas in Manipur. In an international border, people from each other can move freely up to 16 Km on both sides. This is in Manipur.