No leniency against land encroachers
- The People's Chronicle Editorial :: April 11, 2022 -

While it's obvious that people who settle without authorisation as well as those in possession of land document would put up stiff resistance against any eviction drive, there should be no ambiguity on the part of the government when it comes to reclaiming public land from encroachers and protecting areas declared as reserved forests.

There had been more than a handful of incidents of violent confrontations between locals and police during eviction drives carried out in certain pockets in the past and similar problems would definitely crop up as and when the government takes up action against illegal occupants of government land or reserved forests.

Nevertheless, the government authorities should do the needful to free public spaces from covetous elements, who live under the impression that inciting violent public reactions against eviction drive and approaching the law court would compel the establishment to retract and they would eventually have ownership over the illegally acquired land.

If at all the intention to oust authorised occupants is for the overall good of the people then there is no reason why the government should succumb under pressure tactics as such a precedent would only embolden unscrupulous elements to scout and grab public lands either for settlement of self or sale the illegally acquired land at a higher price.

For instance, there were massive protests witnessed in late 2018 at Minuthong area when houses and other structures constructed along the Imphal River bank were dismantled to ensure smooth flow of the river for preventing the seasonal problem of flooding due to breaching of river banks.

Interestingly, similar drives launched in areas classified as Porompat, Heingang, Keirao and Bashikhong circles from Koirengei bridge were carried out smoothly with exception of few sentimental statements by the encroachers, contrary to the Minuthong demolition drive that sparked protest demonstrations by those affected by the government move as they were averse to the idea of demolishing five particular houses and sparing houses adjacent to them.

The objection brought to the fore that not all sections of the society share the view that displacement from their current place of residency is inevitable for the government to either take up developmental projects or preserve sanctity of protected zones such as khasland, forests and wetlands.

Generally, eviction drives are carried out after repeated reminders through mass media to the illegal occupants to vacate in time.

In the same way, the eviction drive was continued some four years back despite bids to sabotage the government policy as the intention was to check flash floods commonly experienced during the monsoons, authorities tasked to carry out similar drives, as announced by chief minister N Biren on Saturday shouldn't exhibit compassion towards the encroachers.

There is strong possibility that selective demolition would trigger protests against the eviction drive but there is no reason why illegal acts and activities should be spared.

In case those occupying land already notified as government land or reserved forest are found possessing land document then the government may initiate prompt investigation so as to penalise officials found flouting the prescribed guidelines as identifying and taking punitive action against such unscrupulous officials would be the most effective mechanism to check encroachment.