MTU pleads Govt action on land reform, ST issues
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 04 2024: Contending the issues confronting the present Meetei generation are fallout of lapses on the part of the past governments and leaders, Meetei (Meitei) Tribe Union (MTU) has urged the present government to allot land titles to indigenous Meetei who do not have the same and to reform the MLR & LR Act of 1960.In a statement, MTU said that many indigenous Meetei families have been living without land titles, similar to refugees, in their own place of birth for the last 60/70 years despite the existence of the Revenue, Settlement and Land Records Department.

Expressing remorse that past governments failed to find remedy to such procedural and administrative oversight, the Union contended that officials of Revenue, Settlement and Land Records department are irresponsible and lack accountability.

It is due to their negligence that the people are suffering at present, it maintained.

MTU emphasised that although the past governments and leaders are at fault, the present government must address the problems besieging the current generation by ensuring that landless Meetei families possess them and MLR & LR Act 1960 is reformed.

Asserting that primary issue facing the Meetei community is lack of a place for settlement, the statement said that despite being a major community, Meeteis have been overwhelmed by illegal immigrants who are attacking and burning down their houses.

Under such conditions, the future of Meetei generations appear bleak.

Considering these issues, the Revenue and Settlement department should frame a policy to ensure Meeteis without land titles receive them as soon as possible.

Additionally, Meeteis should be included in the ST list of the Indian Constitution, MTU demanded.

Comment