CSOs Tamenglong demand immediate revocation of State land order, term it unconstitutional and threat to tribal rights

Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Tamenglong have demanded the immediate revocation of the Manipur Government’s September 18 notification issued by the Land Resources Department, calling it unconstitutional, illegal, and a direct assault on tribal land rights in the hill districts.
In a strong joint statement, the CSOs urged the State Government to cancel the order without delay, respect the constitutional safeguards under Article 371C, and refrain from introducing any land-related policy without prior consultation and consent of tribal communities through their recognised bodies. They also appealed to the Governor of Manipur to intervene and safeguard the rights of the tribal people to ensure peace and harmony in the state.
The notification in question lays down a uniform procedure for the sale, purchase, and registration of land across Manipur. The CSOs argued that this move violates the Hill Areas Committee (HAC) Order, 1972, which explicitly places matters concerning land in the hill areas under the purview of the HAC.
Describing the order as “a direct attack on the constitutional and traditional landholding systems of tribal communities,” the CSOs stated that land in the hill districts is governed by customary laws, with ownership vested in individuals, clans, and chiefs. “By bypassing the HAC and ignoring the unique socio-cultural and customary land tenure systems, the government is attempting to undermine the very fabric of our society,” the joint statement read.
The organisations warned that implementing the order without respecting these constitutional protections would lead to serious unrest, instability, and conflict in the state. They asserted that the government’s attempt to impose a uniform land revenue and registration system was a precursor to the dispossession of tribal lands and erosion of tribal identity.
The CSOs Tamenglong—comprising INU-TZ, LNCM-TZ, RNCM-TL, ZNCM, JTWA-TZ, CSAT, and VACC representing Tamenglong, Tamei, and Tousem areas—also expressed solidarity with the United Naga Council (UNC), which had earlier submitted a memorandum to the Governor on September 25 demanding withdrawal of the same notification.
The joint statement was signed by Ariang Panmei (Convenor, CSOs Tamenglong & President, CSAT), Makiujei Gangmei (President, VACC-Tamenglong), Namsulung Gonmei (Chairman, RNCM-TL), Amy Kamson (Convenor, JTWA-TZ), L. Bariam (Chairman, INU), Rajelung Newmai (Vice Chairman, LNCM-TZ), and N.H. Ramtahung (Vice President, ZNCM).