TAMENGLONG: Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Tamenglong have demanded the immediate revocation of the Manipur Government’s September 18 notification on land procedures, terming it unconstitutional, illegal, and a direct threat to tribal land rights in the hill districts.
In a strongly worded joint statement, the CSOs urged the State Government to cancel the order without delay, respect safeguards under Article 371C, and refrain from introducing any land-related policy without prior consultation with tribal communities through their recognised bodies. They also appealed to the Governor of Manipur to intervene and protect tribal rights to ensure peace and harmony in the state.
The September 18 notification, issued by the Land Resources Department, prescribes a uniform system for the sale, purchase, and registration of land across Manipur. The CSOs argued that this violates the Hill Areas Committee (HAC) Order, 1972, which gives the HAC exclusive authority over land matters in the hill districts.
Calling the move “a direct attack on the constitutional and traditional landholding systems of tribal communities,” the organisations said that tribal land is governed by customary laws with ownership vested in individuals, clans, and chiefs. They warned that bypassing the HAC and ignoring the unique land tenure systems could lead to serious unrest, instability, and conflict in the state.
The CSOs further alleged that the government’s attempt to impose a uniform land revenue and registration system was a step towards dispossession of tribal lands and erosion of tribal identity.
The statement, endorsed by multiple organisations from Tamenglong, Tamei, and Tousem—including INU-TZ, LNCM-TZ, RNCM-TL, ZNCM, JTWA-TZ, CSAT, and VACC—also expressed solidarity with the United Naga Council (UNC), which had earlier submitted a memorandum to the Governor on September 25 demanding withdrawal of the notification.
The joint statement was signed by Ariang Panmei (Convenor, CSOs Tamenglong & President, CSAT), Makiujei Gangmei (President, VACC Tamenglong), Namsulung Gonmei (Chairman, RNCM-TL), Amy Kamson (Convenor, JTWA-TZ), L. Bariam (Chairman, INU), Rajelung Newmai (Vice Chairman, LNCM-TZ), and N.H. Ramtahung (Vice President, ZNCM).
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