Tribal leaders, village chiefs, student bodies, CSOs on Wednesday resolved to oppose all forms of land survey “in their lands”, during a consultative meeting that was held at YPA GHQ Hall at Hiangtam Lamka in Churachandpur district.
The resolution was taken at the consultative meeting on Reserve Forest/Protected Forest/Wetland/Wildlife Sanctuary organised by Indigenous Tribal Leader’s Forum (ITLF) at YPA GHQ Hall at Hiangtam Lamka in Churachandpur district.
The meeting was also attended by Research and Preservation of Zo Identity, tribal leaders, village chiefs, student organisations and intellectuals.
The meeting unanimously agreed to oppose and object to all forms of survey in their lands at any cost by all the groups and organisations as there are procedural lapses, “which are illegal and unconstitutional.”
It urged the MLAs of the district to take a common stand against the ongoing survey which is to take place on the reserved forest, protected forest, wetland preservation and wildlife sanctuary as well as the plan to complete the cancellation of ‘pattas’ and ‘jabamandis’ on April 30.
It also appealed to the MLAs to declare their stand within seven days. It also concluded to move their issues legally to the court for justice and the village chiefs also unanimously resolved to support ITLF in any issues taken up.
At the meeting, the attendees rejected the office memorandum of the Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF) and HoFF dated November 7 and stated that the memorandum should be quashed and nullified as it is allegedly illegal and arbitrary.
Meanwhile, the issue of Reserve Forests and Protected Forests became a controversial issue after the state government reportedly attempted to survey different areas in the district, including town areas as well.
In this regard, the Zomi Student Federation has been planning to organise a Public Leaders Consultative meeting on ‘Tribal Rights and Land Issues’ at the Mini Auditorium of Dorcas Hall at New Lamka in Churachandpur, sources stated.
