Kuki Students’ Organisation and ATSUM condemns eviction drive at K. Songjang Village in Manipur, terms it cruel & violation of human rights

The Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO) on Tuesday condemned the eviction program carried out on February 20, 2023, at K. Songjang Village under the Churachandpur District of Manipur.

KSO termed the eviction drive as a ‘blatant violation of the Manipur Extra Ordinary Gazette No. 124-E100 dated 17-09-1966.’

The students’ organisation also condemned the manner in which the eviction drive was conducted, stating it negated humanitarian values by leaving many homeless and also violated the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution and Human Rights.

KSO also noted that the administration did not consider the prior and informed consent of the indigenous settlers.

“The Gazette notification has clearly stated that, the Private and Government ownership of land including Bonafide patta lands don’t come under the purview of the much debated Churachandpur-Khoupum Protected Forest.” The letter read.

KSO also wrote that the government of Manipur must stop its step motherly treatment of the minority tribals at all costs.

KSO also reiterated that the declaration/ notification regarding the Churachandpur-Khoupum Protected Forest has abridged and affected the rights of the individuals and communities living in villages allegedly covered within the boundaries of the said Protected Forest.

“It is also against the spirit of the legal provisions contained in the PROVISO to Sub-Section (3) of Section 29 of the Indian Forest Act, 1927.” The letter further read.

KSO Leimata has requested all the concerned parties implement sagacious measures and rehabilitate the displaced villagers in an effort to ensure the restoration of humanitarian values.

“The Government of Manipur must come out with a clean chit on the contentious and proposed Churachandpur-Khoupum Protected Forest,” the letter read.

KSO also urged the Government of Manipur to come up with a rehabilitation program and reconstitute K Songjang villagers who are victims of forceful and illegal Eviction by the Government of Manipur.

Meanwhile, the All Tribal Student’s Union Manipur (ATSUM) also condemned the eviction drive terming it as inhumane and cruel.

The forceful eviction of villages purportedly located inside the reserved forests is not in contravention with the resolution of the Hill Areas Committee of the Manipur Legislative Assembly and should be termed as unlawful.

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