FIRM condemns Govt's decision to acquire land at Makhan
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 11 2024: The Forum for Indigenous Rights Manipur (FIRM) has strongly condemned the arbitrary forced land acquisition plan of the State Government at Makhan village, Kangpokpi district for Army settlement without any knowledge and consultation with the concerned Makhan tribal village.

According to a release issued by FIRM, the Makhan Village General Body Assembly held on March 29, 2024 univocally resolved to never part with the 130 acres of land of Makhan which is under pressure of forced acquisition by the State Government.

"The Village Assembly after serious discussion outrightly rejected the land acquisition plan because of the fact that this village has been marginalized to a great extend due to acquisition of land for different projects such as 83 acres in 1980's for army settlement, 301 acres for Indira Gandhi National Tribal University (IGNTU), some areas for establishment of Theological College, and still some other areas for Liangmai Literature Society", it added.

The FIRM asserted the pressurizing trend of land acquisition to this village poses a serious threat to future survival of the villagers.

The forum claimed that the decision passed during the Cabinet meeting held on February 15, 2024, was an arbitrary move which undermined the customary land rights of the Liangmai Naga tribal community.

The forum continued that the proposed acquisition of 130 acres of land at Makhan village without any consultation with the concerned villagers is in violation of the protection enshrined in the Section 3 of United Nations Declaration of Rights of the Indigenous People (UNDRIP), 2007 undermining their right to self-determination and Section 19, the right of seeking Free and Prior Informed Consent (FPIC) of the indigenous people.

Further, the FIRM appealed to the State Government to revoke its Cabinet decision to acquire 130 acres of land at Makhan village and to fully recognise & respect the inherent rights of the indigenous people over their land and resources.

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