Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 10 2010:
With the identification of 320 temples, churches and mosques built at public places, Deputy Commissioners concerned have been instructed to make an assessment of these structures to take up necessary actions within a month.
In accordance to a directive of the Supreme Court, the State Government directed to DCs to submit a report about the number of temples, churches and mosques built at public places.
After the DCs have submitted their reports, an official meeting was held today with Chief Secretary DS Poonia in the chair.
The meeting attended by the Commissioner (Home), Principal secretary (TD), Commissioner (MAHUD), Revenue Commissioner, Art and Culture Commissioner, Law Secretary, DC Imphal East and DC Imphal West discussed about these illegal structures.
The meeting deliberated on such aspects as demolition or shifting of the churches, mosques and temples built at public places, as well as the possibility of issuing pattas.
After studying their reports, the DCs were instructed to take up necessary actions within a month in line with the Supreme Court directive.
The DCs were further instructed to initiate due process to issue pattas for lands held in the name of centuries old sylvan deities excepting those located within Imphal Municipal area and greater Imphal area.
However, for all other religious structures, the DCs have been authorised to take such actions as demolition or change of place as they deemed fit according to law.