50 households criteria for new village recognition

Last Updated on February 17, 2023 by SPN Editor

Tribal Affairs and Hills Minister Letpao Haokip said that the state government will not give new village recognition to those villages with less than 50 households from Monday onwards .

Letpao was speaking during the 105th Anniversary Observance of the Kuki Rising of 1917-1919 and 2nd Anniversary celebration of government’s recognition at Kuki Rising Park, C Aisan Village in Kangpokpi district.

Paying a floral tribute to the life size statue of Kuki freedom fighter (L) Chengjapao Doungel and the Kuki Rising memorial stone for all the patriotic spirit of the Kuki warriors marked the opening ceremony of the observance.

Addressing the gathering, the minister said people of the state have been settling and constructing houses at every location they intend to in the past like any lawless land. The government will not tolerate such acts of lawlessness anymore, he said. New village recognition will be done as per the new guidelines of the government.

Considering the rejection of Manipur Land Revenue and Land Reforms Act by the people settling in hill areas, he mooted establishment of a separate surveying team under TA and Hills Department for verifying land boundaries in the hill areas to have a clarity landing holding system in the State.

“Having a clear land holding system is the need of the hour to prevent any unwanted conflicts and for the better future of Manipur,” he added.

There are around 934 unrecognised villages in the hill districts of Manipur. The new system will give new village recognition if 50 households are there in these villages.

Besides, CM N Biren was reported to have said that there are 2,743 revenue villages in the State and 55 new villages (11 in Churachandpur, 26 in Tamenglong, 6 in Senapati, 2 in Kamjong, 10 in Tengnoupal) have applied for recognition. Biren told the House that the State Government is considering devising a policy for denying new village recognition below 50 numbers of houses and without relevant documents.

Letpao also stressed the need for strict implementation of the Inner Line Permit System (ILPS) in order to save the state from being taken over by outsiders.

Stating that the landlord, hotels and companies should take the responsibility for keeping or bringing in outsiders in the state, he informed that the government has decided to blacklist any outsider from entering Manipur if they are found to be violating the ILPS.

Talking on the Kuki Rising, Letpao, on behalf of all the Kuki community, extended gratitude to Chief Minister N Biren for the remarkable recognition and announcing the day as a restricted holiday from last year besides promising to construct a Kuki Rising Park in the greater Imphal area.

President of Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), Khaimang Chongloi, highlighted the brief history of the Kuki Rising.

Regarding the state government’s promises to build a Kuki Rising Park in greater Imphal area, he said that it is strongly believed that the park will be built soon as the present government never breaks its promises.

He lastly extended greetings and wishes to the people of Manipur and called for peace and unity among all the people of Manipur

The function was also attended by Saikul MLA, Kimneo Hangshing as president while MLA of Singhat, Chinlunthang Manlun, and MLA of Henglep, Letzamang Haokip, as guests of honour.