Concern raised over population pressure and land ownership in Manipur – Lukram Malangba

Concerns over increasing population pressure and its impact on land ownership in Manipur were highlighted during a one-day awareness programme and academic campaign titled “Realise to Save the Indigenous People of Manipur,” organised by the All Manipur Students’ Union (AMSU) at Keishamthong Model High School. The programme marked the 46th observation of “Mikap Thokpa” and was attended by students, teachers, and members of AMSU.
AMSU President Lukram Malangba also spoke on the occasion, stating that the issue of the increasing outsider population has been observed since the 1980s, but no concrete solution has yet been implemented. He said AMSU continues to organise such awareness programmes to address the issue. He urged students and the public to understand the gravity of the situation and work collectively to protect the interests of indigenous communities, warning that continued trends could lead to marginalisation.
Speaking as a resource person, Khomdram Ratan, former convenor of JCILPS, stated that since Manipur’s merger with India, apprehensions have grown among the people that their land may gradually slip out of their control due to increasing population pressure and the influx of outsiders.
He warned that if the current trend continues, indigenous people of Manipur could eventually become minorities in their own land. He described the present situation as serious and alarming, stating that the growing number of outsiders is not only affecting demographic balance but also putting pressure on land ownership.
Kh. Ratan further pointed out that the Meitei community faces limitations in settling or expanding into hill areas, which could make survival in the valley increasingly difficult if the situation remains unaddressed. He stressed the need for greater awareness and collective responsibility among the people to protect their land and identity. He also cautioned that if the younger generation fails to understand the importance of safeguarding their land, it may lead to serious challenges in the future.
Highlighting past trends, he noted that the population of outsiders was already significant in 2011 and could rise drastically by 2026 if unchecked.
The programme was also attended by the headmistress of Keishamthong Model High School, Salam Sunita, along with faculty members.