Sit in Protest against the eviction order at Waithou

Last Updated on September 24, 2023 by SPN Editor

Opposing the eviction order issued by DFO Thoubal District, the residents of Usoipokpi to Waithou section of Waithou protected forest staged a sit-in-protest at Waithou today.

Speaking to media persons at the protest site one of the protesters Naorem Prema claims that they settled in the area since the time of Maharaj Budhachandra. Mango trees planted by the then king and Well and Structures built by him still existed today as the residents had protected and preserved them. She also claims that they reside legally in the area by possessing land patta.

She appeals to Chief Minister N Biren to retake the survey and prevent the demolition of houses.

It may be noted that Divisional Forest Officer (DFO ) Thoubal had served eviction notices asking all illegal encroachers inside Waithou Protected Forest to vacate the land and remove all structures by 5 PM of June 11 failing which necessary action for eviction and dismantling of structures will be taken without further notice.
The order sparked protest and residents in Usoipokpi to Waithou section of Waithou protected forest comes out to the street and block Imphal – Moreh road on Friday.