CRAM expresses concern at forest acquisition, urges authority to think for the survival of affected villagers
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 03 2019: The Centre for Research and Advocacy, Manipur (CRAM), has expressed concern at the efforts of the State Government and The Manipur University of Culture to establish Manipur University of Culture at the community forest of Wakha village, Nongmaiching hills, allegedly without the consent and consultation of the villagers.

A press release issued by the president of CRAM explained that the proposed acquisition of 38 hectares of forest land for the university will completely deprive the Wakha villagers' access to their traditional forest land, which has been their major source of livelihood and cultural identity.

Expressing concern at the application for forest clearance filed by Manipur University of Culture to the Ministry of Environment and Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) in June last year to divert 38 hectares of community forest land of Wakha village, without informing or consulting the villagers, CRAM alleged that the application is a clear violation of the Forest Rights Act, 2006, as the project proponents have failed to seek the consent of the traditional bodies of Wakha village, including the Gram Sabha.

It explained that the right of Wakha villagers and use of their community forest land was recognised by the Manipur Durbar in 1932 along the territories along Komhao Lok in the North to Komla Ingkhol Lok in the South, Khongjaitabi hill in the East and foothill of Nongmaiching hill in the West and added that the said term was also recognised in 1994 by the order of the Forest Settlement Officer, Manipur.

CRAM explained that the diversion of the forest areas for the university will completely deprive the villagers of their traditional livelihood sources and the forced acquisition without informing or taking consent of the villagers will lead to the loss of culture and identity of the Wakha villagers.

Urging the Ministry of Environment and Forest and Climate Change, India, to desist conceding the forest clearance for Manipur University of Culture, CRAM opined that the university should top any efforts in this regard and to rather consult about the issue with the villagers of Wakha for an alternative that respects and addresses the concerns and rights of the villagers.

It also urged the State Govt to uphold the Durbar Resolution of 1932 to promote the survival of Wakha villagers and their forest.

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