Mongbung village chief condemns arbitrary transfer of land by Govt
Source: The Sangai Express

Jiribam, September 08 2021: The Chief of Mongbung village, Jiribam has condemned the arbitrary transfer of land by the Government of Manipur to the Power Department on June 23, 2021 in favour of MANIREDA without the consent of the land owners of the village.

A press release issued by the Chief of Mongbung village informed that the chiefs of Mongbung and Muolzawl villages donated 600 acres of land in favour of Agriculture Department, Government of Manipur (GOM) for Manipur Plantation Crops Corporation Ltd (MPCCL) under an agreement on January 2, 1981 solely to establish tea plantation.

It was neither on sale nor acquired under Land Acquisition Act with compensation but a clear donation to improve the job and livelihood of the villagers.

The release mentioned that as the Tea Estate became dysfunctional in 2004 due to alleged mismanagement of the Government the concerned villagers were expecting either alternative arrangement for their land or the return of the original land, which is a major asset for their livelihood.

However, instead of returning the land to the original owners, GOM transferred the land from Agriculture Department to the Revenue Department on July 7, 2014, later to Textiles Department, Commerce and Industries, Manipur and finally to the MANIREDA, it added.

The Mongbung villagers reiterated their objection to the arbitrary transfer of land without the consent of Mongbung, Muozawl and Sejang villages.

Moreover, the Mongbung Village Authority urged the State Government to stop any project on the land without the consent of the villagers while adding that any forceful transfer of land without consulting the land owners shall be opposed by the villagers.

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