ST panel urged to act on land, forest rights
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Makang
Ukhrul, July 24 2025:
Social activist from Ukhrul district LM Thanmi Shimray has appealed to the Manipur State Commission for Scheduled Tribes, for immediate action to uphold constitutional rights guaranteed under Article 371C of the Indian Constitution.
The appeal, submitted to the chairman of the Commission recently, highlighted the pressing need for the Hill Areas Committee (HAC) to establish regulations governing land and forest management in the region.
Thanmi, a former president of Tangkhul Mayar Ngala Long (TMNL-Youth Council), expressed concern over the lack of legislative action regarding land and forest laws in the hill areas.
"By virtue of Article 371 C, the primary duty of the Hill Areas Committee (HAC) is to enact the law of Forest and Land in respect of the Hill Areas," he said, while noting that, despite the constitutional mandate, no such laws have been enacted, leading to significant encroachment by third parties on tribal lands and resources.
In his letter, Thanmi contended that the absence of proper legislation has resulted in the infringement of tribal rights over forest products and land, rights that are protected under Indian law and called for the Commission to direct relevant authorities to formulate rules and enact laws aimed at safeguarding the lives and properties of the hill people.




