Legal awareness programme held in Ukhrul
Source: The Sangai Express

Ukhrul, July 27 2025: A legal awareness programme on "Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013" was organised by the Manipur State Legal Services Authority (MASLSA) at Jubilee Hall, UBC, Ukhrul.

According to a release issued by MASLSA, the programme was graced by Justice K Somashekar, Chief Justice of the High Court of Manipur as the chief guest; and Justice A Bimol Singh, Judge of the High Court of Manipur & Executive Chairman of MASLSA; Justice A Guneshwar Sharma, Judge of the High Court of Manipur & Chairman, High Court Legal Services Committee; and Sword Vashum, President of Tangkhul Naga Long, as guests of honour.

Several prominent officials also attended the programme, including Ojesh Mutum, Registrar General of the High Court of Manipur; Alek Muivah, Member Secretary MASLSA; Reena Serto, District & Sessions Judge Ukhrul; Athokpam Shanta Devi, Registrar (Vigilance), HC of Manipur; K Nirojit, Secretary, HCLSC; Kimneingah Kipgen, Secretary Ukhrul DLSA; Phungreishung P.A, Additional Member Secretary MASLSA; Michael Zimik, President Ukhrul District Bar Association; and Kashung Tennyson, President TNAL, among others.

The event also saw active participation from the district administration, including Kartik Maladi, Superintendent of Police, Ukhrul and Dimringam Kamei, SDO Ukhrul, alongside more than 200 village chiefs and ministers from Ukhrul and Kamjong districts.

In his address, Chief Justice K Somasekhar emphasized the constitutional mandate under Article 39A to provide equal access to justice for all citizens, irrespective of social or economic status.

He highlighted the role of legal services institutions in safeguarding people's rights and entitlements and ensuring justice is not denied due to financial constraints.

Justice A Bimol Singh addressed the need for awareness regarding land acquisition laws, especially in light of ongoing development and road expansion projects in Ukhrul.

He stressed that land acquisition processes must be fair, transparent, and legally compliant, particularly when private land is involved.

Justice A Bimol Singh further elaborated on the activities of MASLSA and reminded the gathering that citizens belonging to Scheduled Tribes, including those in Ukhrul, are entitled to free legal aid in matters such as land acquisition.

In his address, Justice A Guneshwar Sharma emphasized the fundamental right of landowners to receive compensation when their land is acquired by the government.

He highlighted the significance of the day's programme in promoting understanding of legal entitlements and shared insights on the role of Legal Services Authorities in providing free legal assistance to marginalized and underprivileged communities.

As part of the technical session, Alek Muivah, Member Secretary of MASLSA, served as the resource person and delivered a comprehensive presentation on the "Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013" .

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