VA Act indispensable: Leishiyo
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 21 2022: Phungyar AC MLA K Leishiyo has asserted that hill districts in Manipur have become a lawless region in since the abolition of Village Authority Act.

He also stressed on the need to formulate a new Village Authority Act after due consultation with all stakeholders so as to keep up with the changes in society.

The MLA made the statement at the closing ceremony of the six-day 4th Singcha Wuya Won Festival yesterday.

Speaking as the chief host of the function, the MLA continued that Article 371 (C) provides certain provisions to the tribal people such as to manage their own forest, but no law has been enacted for the same.

It is imperative to enact a Land Law and Land Use Policy to regulate forest management in hill districts, Leishiyo said and added that land is the most valuable resource of all.

Customary laws of every village also differ from one to another but no process has been initiated so far to coordinate this difference, he said and stressed on the need to formulate a uniform customary law accepted by all.

A proposal has been sent to develop the area where Wuya Won is grown abundantly in Kamjong as a tourist destination, Leishiyo informed and said that he has apprised Chief Minister N Biren Singh to hold Singcha Wuya Won Festival as a State level event every year and the latter has given his nod for the same.

He reiterated that there is a need to formulate a Land Law and Land Use Policy in hill districts to develop the State.

Leishiyo continued that the State has been celebrating the blooming of Shirui Lily and Wuya Won since the past at its blooming seasons.

Saying that the blooming of these two flowers which grow naturally in Tangkhul's lands captivate the people, the MLA added that a large number of people visit Ukhrul and Kamjong every year to see these two flowers in their blooming season and appreciate its beauty. "Tangkhuls are a very small ethnic group but their lands are gifted with rich flora and fauna," he added.

"Like flowers, we humans must also indulge in activities which will benefit the society at large and also appreciate the good deeds done by others instead of being critical all the time," K Leishiyo maintained.

Further stating that Earth has abundant resources for all but still there are many who depend on BPL cards to survive." K Leishiyo maintained that forest areas in Manipur are no lesser than Shimla or Nainital in terms of availability of resources and has great potential for growth.

Ukhrul AC MLA Ram Muivah was the chief guest of the event.

He said that Shirui Lily is grown only in one place but Wuya Won is grown in a large area from Singcha to Pusing village.

Tlie MLA also said that the weather and climate in Singcha is similar to that of Alpine Forest in Switzerland and has every potential to develop as a tourist destination.

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