KIM seeks cancellation of Sep 18 notification
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 28 2025: The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) has sought Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla's intervention and cancellation of the notification issued by the Land Resources Department on September 18, 2025 regarding sale, purchase and registration of land within the State.

According to a memorandum submitted by the KIM to the Governor, the September 18 notification issued by the Land Resources Department which outlines the procedure for sale, purchase, and registration of land throughout the State raises serious concerns regarding its implications for the hill areas.

It alleged that this notification is a nefarious policy of the State Government that will allow any individual or entity with valid documentation to acquire or purchase land anywhere within the State, seemingly ignoring the historical and legal protections that exist for the tribal hill areas.

The law categorically says that land in the hill areas is traditionally reserved for the tribes, but the new guideline will facilitate encroachment by non-tribal individuals, it said.

The Manipur Legislative Assembly (Hill Areas Committee) Order, 1972 or the Presidential Order, 1972 vested the Hill Areas Committee (HAC) scheduled matters including "allotment, occupation, or use or the setting apart of the land for the purposes of agriculture or grazing or for residential or other non-agricultural purposes or for any other purpose" .

The land rights of the tribals in the State are further protected by the provisions of section 158 of the Manipur Land Revenue and Land Reforms Act, 1960 which prohibits any transfer of tribal land to non-tribal.

The recent notification issued by the Land Resources Department, without seeking approval from the HAC, raises serious legal and constitutional concerns, KIM said.

By bypassing this essential committee, the Government undermines the Article 37IC of the Constitution of India.

Such unilateral decisions not only conflict with established laws but also erode trust between the Government and the communities it serves, it said.

It is imperative for the State to adhere to constitutional protocols, engage in meaningful dialogue with the HAC, and respect the autonomy granted to the HAC, read the memorandum.

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