Sit-in decries bid to annex valley villages
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, November 18 2022: Locals of Thamnapokpi and Sanasabi on Friday staged a sit-in protest at Thamnapokpi demanding the government to maintain status of the two villages of Imphal East district, located in the adjoining area of Ukhrul and Kangpokpi districts when the government demarcates the boundary of the district.

Speaking on the sidelines of the protest, Thamnapokpi Village Committee secretary Leitam Madhuchandra contended that subsequent to formation of new six districts of the state and process for realignment of district boundaries, some communities are bringing out their own version of maps which enlisted valley villages in the hill districts.

Moreover, tribal people are also claiming the hillocks reserved by state durbar in 1932 for collecting firewood and grazing for cattle as their land, the secretary said.

While asserting that such acts and claims shall not be acceptable to the two villages, he urged the government to look into the matter and protect the decreasing valley areas.

Hill based firmed (SoO) groups are constantly intimidating villagers living in nearby hill areas and trying to take away the land, Madhuchandra maintained, while urging to prevent such acts and intimidations.

The protestors used placards inscribed with slogans like 'Stop land encroachment with support of SoO armed groups', 'Stop British Colonial policy - Sadar Hills' 'Form District Boundary Commission', 'Refrain from renaming of villages', etc.

They also shouted slogans demanding proper demarcation of Imphal East district, Kangpokpi district and said that Sadar Hills is a colonial policy.

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