TSA clarifies
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 04 2018: Apropos to the claims made by Ima Kongdong Leirembi Thougal Lup (KLTL), Moreh and Thoubal Apunba Lup (TAL) on various local dailies on October 25 and 26, the Thadou Students' Association (TSA) has clarified that the claims made by the two organisations are 'devoid of any truth and as such are totally unacceptable' .

A press release issued by the secretary information and publicity of TSA mentioned that every citizen of India is free to reside across the country but at the same time the Constitution provides safeguards and protection of tribal people and their land and culture.

It explained that with respect to Manipur, Article 371 (c) of the Constitution provides protection and safeguard for the tribal people of the State and the President of the country had issued a statutory order, namely the Manipur Legislative Assembly (Hill Areas Committee) Order, 1972, in exercise of powers conferred by Article 371-C of the Constitution which mentioned that the inheritance of property, lands, social, customs of the tribal and the allotment, occupation or use of tribal land for any purpose of the tribals of Manipur should not be disturbed.

TSA continued that the Manipur Land Reforms and Land Revenue Act, 1960 (MLR&LR Act) in its Section 158 also clearly states that no transfer of land by a person who is a member of the Schedule Tribes will be Valid unless the transfer is to another ST member and as such claimed that the "transfer of tribal land at Moreh Chikim Veng to non-tribal population is null and void".

The Hill Tribal Council (HTC) also issued a clarification in a local daily on October 26 refuting the claim of Ima Kongdong Lairembi Thoudang Lup, it conveyed and added that HTC made it clear that following a request by some members of Meitei community, a small portion of land was given on February 25, 1997 only for the purpose of building a place of worship and not for settlement or any other purposes.

Emphasising that the said land and the whole of Chikim Veng village previously belonged to Khudengthabi tribal village chief, TSA alleged that the claim made by the Ima Kongdong Leirembi Thougal Lup, Moreh in regard to ownership of the land where Kongdong Lairembi temple is situated and a Meitei settlement is planned, is "fabricated, absolutely false and unacceptable".

It continued that as citizens of India, the people should respect each other and abide by the law for peaceful coexistence and communal harmony and added that if the small piece of land that was given in good faith only for the purpose of building a place of worship, is exploited, the tribal people will not hesitate to reclaim the land.

On the other hand, it appreciated the halt of construction activity since the issue was brought up on October 23 but cautioned Kongdong Lairembi Thougal Lup, Moreh as well as any other groups or individuals against claiming the land or executing any construction for settlement plans.

It also advised all those concerned not to bring a communal element to the issue, but to respect the law and the rights and sentiments of the tribal land owners.

TSA's stance on this matter is non-negotiable, it said and warned that if its appeals are not heeded and tribals' rights to their land are disrespected, the association will not remain a silent spectator but fight vigorously for justice.

Comment