Leader of the House, N Biren Singh, informed Manipur assembly on Monday that district boundary re-organization is necessary, and the government will take the necessary steps by consulting with his colleagues, CSOs, and others.
CM Biren made the statement on the assembly floor in response to a calling attention motion raised by MLA Leishiyo Keishing, drawing attention to the unresolved boundary demarcation of the newly created seven districts of Manipur.
Raising concerns about the unresolved district boundaries of the newly created seven districts, MLA Leishiyo highlighted that the formation of Kangpokpi district, formerly known as Sadar Hills, was done despite several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed between the Central government and the affected people. The agreement was disregarded, and the new district Kangpokpi was formed, he said.
He said that despite various issues and demands made to the central government, the new district was created without consulting the stakeholders. Many villagers are still facing various inconveniences after the creation of the new districts, the MLA said.
The Minister in charge of Land Resources, N Biren Singh, clarifying the calling attention motion raised by Leishiyo, said, “The new districts were created based on political convenience, not administrative convenience.”
The district boundaries were created based on ethnicity, not administrative convenience. As a result, many people are suffering due to the district boundaries. Such demarcation of district boundaries needs to be rectified; however, converting it into action could be challenging, said Biren.
He also took the issue seriously, noting that some Naga community members residing in Churachandpur and Kangpokpi districts (Kuki-dominated districts) have to pay illegal taxes while entering the districts.
Biren said the re-organization of district boundaries based on administrative convenience instead of political or ethnic considerations needs to be done.
Meanwhile, the 6th session of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly was adjourned sine die on Monday, as summoned by the Governor of Manipur.
Speaker of the House, Th Satyabrata Singh, informed the House on Monday that the 6th session of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly began on July 31.
He said that during the session, there were 9 sittings, 88 starred questions (of which 4 were withdrawn), and 33 unstarred questions. Additionally, 16 papers were laid on the floor, 10 calling attention motions were raised, the business advisory report was presented, and the discussion on the thanks to the motion of the Governor’s address was held and adopted. Furthermore, 9 government bills were introduced and passed, and a House committee was constituted to enquire into the “Influx of Illegal Immigrants and Unnatural Growth of New Villages in Manipur.”
He further thanked the members of the Manipur Legislative Assembly, government officials, assembly secretariat, security personnel, media, and others.
Later, the Speaker announced on the assembly floor that the 6th session of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly has adjourned sine die.
