Differences over eviction drive to be discussed
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 27 2025: A meeting is scheduled for July 30 at Dharamshala, Thangal Keithel, to discuss the misunderstanding regarding the eviction drive between the owners of buildings at Paona and Thangal Keithel and the Government.

The meeting, as per an order issued by MAHUD Director Ng Uttam on July 25, will specifically discuss encroachments on footpaths including shop extensions, unauthorized structures, and vendors occupying the footpaths apart from hearing the grievances of the building owners.

The meeting will be attended by the Imphal East Deputy Commissioner, the Chief Town Planner, the Commissioner of Imphal Municipal Corporation, and representatives of building owners and shopkeepers from Paona and Thangal Keithel.

Differences over eviction drive to be discussed

Speaking to The Sangai Express, a top official of MAHUD stated that building owners in Bazar areas viz Thangal Keithel, Paona Keithel, and BT Road claim their structures are old.

However, the official noted that the Imphal Municipal Corporation Building Bye-laws of 2013, along with its 2019 amendment, are in force.

Despite the age of the buildings, many have undergone renovations over time, the official said and emphasized that any renovations done after the implementation of these bye-laws must comply with the regulations.

Noting that many new buildings were constructed and others renovated after the implementation of the bye-laws, he added that building owners could have complied with the Government's conditions during renovation or construction.

The aerial expansion of buildings beyond the plot of land owners is against the law, he said, adding that it is only a matter of time before the Government sends them notices.

Stating that the Government will hear the grievances of building owners during the July 30 meeting, he emphasized that everyone, however, must adhere to the building bye-laws, regardless of whether the structures were built before or after the laws came into effect.

He continued that the Government is working to give Thangal Keithel a uniform look under the Imphal Smart City mission, which includes installing signboards of similar size and equal height, and the same may be discussed during the July 30 meeting.

It may be mentioned that shops were closed at Thangal Keithel on July 24 in protest against a Government's eviction notice to remove aerial expansions of buildings allegedly encroaching on footpaths.