RNCM strongly opposes order of DFOs of Tamenglong & Jiribam
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 29 2025: The Rongmei Naga Council Manipur (RNCM) has strongly opposed the recent notification of the District Forest Officer (DFOs) of Tamenglong and Jiribam Forest Divisions, which categorized hill earth, sand, stone and timbers, etc as forest produce and prohibiting the same from transport and removal without valid permit or payment of Royalty and issuance of transit pass, from the jurisdiction of the two forest division.

The RNCM in a release has expressed grave concern over the legitimacy of such an order, stating that it could potentially violate the constitutional and indigenous rights of the hill people of Manipur.

The council accused the move of being an imposition without proper consultation with indigenous stakeholders and labeled it a continuation of what they called the "imperialist design" of the State to seize control over traditional tribal land and resources.

The RNCM, while reiterating its stance on protecting the constitutional and indigenous rights of tribal communities, has advised all concerned to refrain from such imposition without prior consultation with the stakeholders to avoid escalating tension among conflicting parties in the future.

Comment