RNCM opposes forest produce notification, cites violation of indigenous rights

The Rongmei Naga Council Manipur (RNCM) has raised serious objections to a recent forest department notification, asserting that it infringes upon the constitutionally protected rights of indigenous communities in Manipur. In a press statement signed by its General Secretary Gailanchung Kamei, the council expressed deep concern over the June 19, 2025 press release issued by the offices of the District Forest Officers (DFOs) of Tamenglong and Jiribam Forest Divisions.
The notification, which declares hill earth, sand, stone, timber, and related items as forest produce under Section 2(A)(iv) of the Indian Forest Act, 1972 and the Manipur Forest Rules, 2021, prohibits their transportation and removal without a valid permit, payment of royalty, or issuance of a transit pass. RNCM said the order has triggered serious doubts about the legal authority of the forest divisions to impose such restrictions in the hill areas.
The council viewed the move as part of what it described as an “imperialist design” by the government to assert ownership over land and natural resources that rightfully belong to the indigenous tribes. It argued that such unilateral decisions go against the spirit of Article 371(C) of the Indian Constitution, which grants special provisions for Manipur’s hill areas, including the right to regulate and manage land and resources according to customary laws and traditions.
RNCM underscored that several constitutional and legal safeguards already exist to protect tribal land rights. It cited the 2021 Resolution of the Hill Area Committee, which bars any declaration on land or forest in hill areas without prior approval of the committee. Additionally, it referred to Section 16 of the Manipur Hill Areas Village Authority Act, 1956, which empowers village authorities to acquire, hold, and manage both movable and immovable property.
The council also invoked Section 5 of the Forest Rights Act, 2006, which mandates that any plan for forest reservation must be based on the consent of the Gram Sabha, especially in matters related to wildlife protection, community forests, and ecological preservation. Furthermore, it drew attention to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), specifically highlighting provisions related to self-determination (Section 3), free and prior informed consent (Section 19), and the right to land and resources (Section 26).
RNCM argued that the forest notification reflects attempts by majority communities to impose laws and rules in disregard of indigenous rights, terming it a gross violation of both national and international legal frameworks. The council urged all authorities and stakeholders to refrain from imposing such measures without prior consultation, warning that it could lead to further tension and conflict in the already sensitive hill areas of Manipur.