IT News
Imphal, June 7:
Manipur Tribal Union (MTU) has highlighted issues regarding allotment of land titles in the five valley districts. Many residents are unable to obtain land titles due to the lack of proper documentation, which the relevant departments are failing to provide. MTU questions why common people should become scapegoats for the malpractices carried out by the Revenue and Settlement Department.
Indigenous people, unable to purchase land and build houses, face accusations of being encroachers and trespassers if they reside on Khasland or state-owned land. MTU emphasizes that the right to shelter is included under Article 21, the right to life, in the Indian Constitution.
MTU points out that lands where people have been settled since time immemorial have been converted into reserve and protected forests. Fishermen around Loktak Lake, who lack land documents, are at risk of eviction under the guise of development. These are poor individuals who cannot afford land in urban areas or construct large buildings.
In areas where land surveys have occurred, delays in issuing Patta (land titles) have been noted due to SDC (Sub-Divisional Officer) not submitting necessary papers to SDO (Sub-Divisional Officer). MTU warns officials against demanding bribes in exchange for land titles, stating that such corrupt practices will be exposed.
MTU also accuses the Revenue Department of issuing fake Patta, leading to significant issues for residents. The union plans to take legal action against the Revenue Department after gathering evidence of these malpractices.
Under the MLR and LR Act of the 1960s, necessary surveys were not conducted, resulting in over 70 percent of indigenous Meiteis lacking legal titles for the land they occupy. This has created a situation where the indigenous population is left vulnerable and without formal recognition of their land rights.
MTU asserts that the common people should not suffer due to the Revenue and Settlement Department’s failures and malpractices.
