Govt assures status quo of hill areas
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 01 2015: The State Govt has clarified that the three Bills passed on Aug 31 do not infringe on the existing rights of the tribal community settled in the State and they do not impinge on the provision of Article 371C and subsequent Presidential order of 1972 which provides for scheduled areas and the Manipur State Hill People Regulation, 1947 .

The State Govt has appealed to all sections of the society to maintain peace and calm in the State in the wake of violent incidents leading to arson and destruction of residences of Ministers and MLAs in the hill areas and the death of seven persons.

The State Government has also invited leaders of civil society organisations of all communities for a dialogue.

The State Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister O Ibobi in its emergency meeting held today and subsequent meeting with HAC has reviewed the present law and order situation, according to a statement issued by N Ashok Kumar, Secretary to CM.

The agitation was against the passing of the three Bills in a special sitting of the Manipur Assembly namely The Protection of Manipur Peoples Bill, 2015, the Mani-pur Land Revenue and Land Reforms (Seventh Amendment) Bill, 2015 and the Ma- nipur Shops and Establishments (Second Amendment) Bill, 2015 on the perception that these Bills are 'anti-tribal' and violate the provision of Article 371C and the Manipur State Hill People Regulation, 1947 .

The Govt clarified that the present amendment of MLR&LR Act which was passed in the Assembly does not extend to Hill Areas and it will in no way affect or alter the present status of tribal land.

"There seems to be misinterpretation and misunderstanding of the provisions of the Bills leading to the tragic incidents yesterday and today causing tremendous losses including human lives.

Any differences may be discussed and settled across the table.

It requested all stakeholders to come forward for discussion with the Govt to bring solution to the present situation prevailing in the State.

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