The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) has sought a detailed report from the Government of Manipur regarding the implementation of the Manipur Hill Areas (Acquisition of Chiefs’ Rights) Act, 1967, following a complaint received by the Commission.
In a letter dated May 20, 2026, addressed to the Chief Secretary of Manipur, K. D. Verma, Deputy Secretary of the NCST, stated that the Commission had received a representation from Salam Gourakishwor Singh on July 28, 2025, concerning matters related to the implementation of the Act.
The letter stated that the Commission had decided to investigate and inquire into the issues raised in the complaint under the powers vested in it by Article 338A of the Constitution of India, which empowers the NCST to monitor safeguards provided for Scheduled Tribes and inquire into specific complaints relating to their rights and welfare.
The Commission has requested the state government to furnish facts and information regarding the allegations and any action taken on the matter within 30 days of receiving the notice. The response may be submitted by post, in person, or through other means of communication.
The NCST further noted that if no reply is received within the stipulated period, it may exercise the powers of a civil court available to it under Article 338A of the Constitution and issue summons requiring the appearance of government representatives before the Commission.
The notice does not express any conclusion on the merits of the complaint. Instead, it marks the commencement of a formal inquiry process through which the Commission will examine the issues raised and consider the response of the state government before taking any further action.
The Manipur Hill Areas (Acquisition of Chiefs’ Rights) Act, 1967, relates to the acquisition of certain traditional rights held by village chiefs in the hill areas of the state and has remained a subject of discussion in relation to land administration and customary governance in Manipur’s tribal regions.