Tribal leaders object to MLR & LR Act in hill
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Newmai News Network

Imphal, August 25 2012: "Since the tribals have a customary land holding style, the proposed hill land survey should not be encouraged under any case" .

Taking up MLR & LR Act, 2960 as the first agenda, tribal leaders today discussed various issues pertaining to the hill areas of Manipur.

The meeting was moderated by All Manipur Tribal Union (AMTU) general secretary Romeo Bungdon.

As the discussion starts, Letpu kaokip drew the attention of the leaders on the demand raised by MLR &LR Act Demand Committee for extension of the said Act in hill areas through notification or any available means.

Thereafter, Prof Gangmumei Kamei narrated the basis of MLR& LR Act, 1960 right from its introduction.

Gangmumei suggested that the extension of the Act should be opposed at any cost and the views of the Hill Area Committee (HAC) should compulsorily be sought in this regard or any matter relating to hill areas and people.

Social worker Somi Keishing observed that the question of land in hill areas is very much associated with the customs and cultures of the hill people.

As such, protection of land in hill areas should be done based on the importance and authority of the HAC for protection of hill areas and it rights.

He also emphasised on the need for review of Reservation System/Policy in the state.

One hill land survey matter, Somi stated that since the tribals have a customary land holding style, the proposed hill land survey should not be encouraged under any case.

On Forest Act, Grace Jajo, social activist, expressed her views over classifications of forests in Manipur.

She suggested that since the HAC is yet to sign on the forest classification order, "we need to re-activate the HAC for protection of forest-related tribal rights" .

On tie-up/coordination with HAC, Letpu Haokip suggested that a seminar may be conducted for collecting views/opinions of leaders, scholars, intellectuals, etc for onward submission to HAC for consideration.

BD Behring, a former MP stressed on the need for unity and coordination of all tribal organisations under one umbrella.

He also appreciated Committee on Protection of Tribal Area Manipur (COPTAM) for its activities.

Behring suggested that the umbrella organisation may be under AMTU and observed that the hill-valley boundary needs to be clearly made.

He also wants to have an office of AMTU at Imphal.

On queries made by some leaders about AMTU, D.P Panmei, president of AMTU clarified that tribal union is non-political, non-governmental and purely a social organisation formed with the aim and objectives of safeguarding the rights of tribal people as provided by the Indian Constitution.

At the end of the meeting, the tribal leaders resolved to conduct a state level seminar on the tribal problems and grievances at the earliest possible time.

They also resolved to have the next meeting on September 17 in Imphal.

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