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Mass protests against forceful land occupancy by Assam Rifles in Nine Tangkhul villages of Manipur

Reported by

East Street Journal Asia

Legal Review by

Anmol Gupta, Mukta Joshi

Edited by

Radhika Chatterjee

Updated by

Published on

February 15, 2023

February 16, 2023

Edited on

February 15, 2023

State

Manipur

Sector

Infrastructure

People Affected by Conflict

Households Affected by Conflict

308

Land Area Affected (in Hectares)

ha

Starting Year

2016

Location of Conflict

Chatric Khunou

Ramphoi, Kangpat Khullen (Kamdong), Tusom CV, Poi, Mapum, Lamlang Gate, Khamasom Wallely and Kasom Khullen

Ukhrul & Kamjong

Reason or Cause of Conflict

Defence and Security Establishments

Land Conflict Summary

In September 2022, several residents led by civil society organisations (CSOs) carried out mass sit in protests in the hill districts of Ukhrul and Kamjong in Manipur. They were protesting the forceful occupation of their lands by the Assam Rifles in nine Tangkhul villages.

According to the residents, the land belongs to the Tangkhul Naga communities, who are the indigenous peoples of the state. They have been residing on those lands over several years. Assam Rifles has set up camps and establishments over private and community lands in the area without the consent of the Naga village councils and the Tangkhuls.

A mass rally of more than 5000 people gathered at the Ukhrul headquarters starting from two locations in the Dungrei junction of Hungpung and Mission compound, Ukhrul, culminating at Ava Market (Ima market), Phungreitang in the heart of the Ukhrul district headquarters. A memorandum was also submitted by the CSOs to the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, through Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh. A copy of it was shared with Francisco Cali Tzay, UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and Gam A Shimray, Secretary General, Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact.

In 2016, Assam rifles occupied the land and properties of its residents without the consent of the village headmen or community members. Assam rifles guarding the Indo-Myanmarese border are now facing rigorous resistance from Tangkhul apex bodies, civil society organizations, and Human Rights Groups.

Community members are demanding the urgent withdrawal of the Armed Forces Special power Act 1958 (AFSPA) from all the Hill Areas/ districts of Manipur. And respecting the Indo-Naga peace process. Condemning the occupancy, the Global Naga Forum (GNF) said “We ardently appeal for immediate intervention by the Prime Minister and the Home Minister if they are truly sincere in finding a non-military resolution to the Indo-Naga problem.”

While speaking to LCW, village headmen from the nine affected villages alleged, "Assam rifles forcefully occupied their land and established camps and outposts without prior consent and without following due cognizance of the law. If they want our land, they should do so according to the land acquisition process".

Spaces like public kitchen, common facility centre, children's home, rest houses, public play grounds are occupied.

Fact Sheet

Demand/Contention of the Affected Community

Demand for legal recognition of land rights

Demand to retain/protect access to common land/resources

Other Demand/Contention of the Affected Community

Demand to repeal Indian Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) from all Hills areas districts of Manipur

Region Classification

Rural

Type of Land

Common and Private

Type of Common Land

Forest and Non-Forest

What was the action taken by the police?

How many people did the police detain or arrest?

What is the current status of the detained/accused persons?

Did the person face any violence while in police custody?

Did the person face any violence while in police custody?

If any arrests took place, were the accused persons produced before a judge within 24 hours of the arrest?

If the accused was not produced before a magistrate within 24 hours, or not produced at all, what were the reasons?

Legislation under which the accused was charged

Was the accused person informed of their right to legal representation? Did the accused person have access to legal aid?

In cases where the accused person approached the court for bail, was bail granted?

Why was bail granted or rejected? If granted, what were the bail conditions and quantum of bail?

Were there any other notable irregularities that took place, or other significant details?

Details of sources (names of accused, names and numbers of any lawyers, names of any police officers contacted)

Status of Project

Original Project Deadline

Whether the Project has been Delayed

Significance of Land to Land Owners/Users

Residential area, Government or community-regulated urban commons, Non-agri rural enterprise

Whether the project was stalled due to land conflict

Source/Reference

Total investment involved (in Crores):

Type of investment:

Year of Estimation

Page Number In Investment Document:

Has the Conflict Ended?

No

When did it end?

Why did the conflict end?

Legal Data

Categories of Legislations Involved in the Conflict

Legislations/Policies Involved

Manipur Land Revenue and Land Reforms Act, 1960
Section 1 [The Act extends to the entire state of Manipur except the hill areas. The State government may extend the provisions of the act to any hill areas through notification in the official gazette] Section 158 [Transfer of land from members of Scheduled Tribes to non-members is prohibited unless it is made with the prior permission of the Deputy Commissioner in writing. The Deputy Commissioner must obtain the permission with consent from the District Council]
Manipur (Hill Areas) District Councils Act, 1971
Section 44 [All land transferred to the District Council shall be under its direction and management]
Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958
  1. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

  2. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

  3. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

  4. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

  5. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

  6. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

  7. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

Whether claims/objections were made as per procedure in the relevant statute

What was the claim(s)/objection(s) raised by the community?

What was the Decision of the Concerned Government Department?

Legal Processes and Loopholes Enabling the Conflict:

Lack of legal protection over land rights

Non-consultation with stakeholders

Violation of free prior informed consent

Legal Status:

In Court

Status of Case In Court

Disposed

Whether any adjudicatory body was approached

No

Name of the adjudicatory body

Name(s) of the Court(s)

Manipur High Court

Case Number

PIL No. 2 of 2019

Main Reasoning/Decision of court

In 2020, a PIL was filed by a resident of Ukhrul district before the Manipur High Court challenging an office memorandum issued by the Manipur State Government. This office memorandum allowed security agencies deployed in Manipur to purchase land through consultation with the state government. The petitioners contended that the existing Land Revenue Act could not be extended to the hill areas of Manipur and such land could only be regulated by Autonomous District Councils. However, the High Court held that the State Government could extend the provisions of the Land Revenue Act to the hill areas in Manipur through notifications. As such, the challenged office memorandum did not violate the rights of Scheduled Tribe members in the area. The Court reasoned that the prior permission of the Deputy Commissioner was necessary for valid transfer of land belonging to Scheduled Tribes to any non-Scheduled Tribe members.

Major Human Rights Violations Related to the Conflict:

No items found.

Whether criminal law was used against protestors:

No

Reported Details of the Violation:

Date of Violation

Location of Violation

Additional Information

Nature of Protest

Protests/marches

Development of a network or collective

Complaints/petitions/letters/memorandums to officials

Involvement of national and international NGOs

Campaigns (grassroots organisations/press releases/media)

Media-based activism/alternative media

Government Departments Involved in the Conflict:

Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Kamjong; Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Ukhrul; Assam Rifles (AR) (under the administration of the ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) & Ministry of Defence (MoD).

PSUs Involved in the Conflict:

Did LCW Approach Government Authorities for Comments?

Name, Designation and Comment of the Government Authorities Approached

Corporate Parties Involved in the Conflict:

Did LCW Approach Corporate Parties for Comments?

Communities/Local Organisations in the Conflict:

Tangkhul Naga Community, Tangkhul Naga Long, Tangkhul Shanao Long, Tangkhul Naga Wungnao Long, Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong and Tangkhul Mayar Ngala Long

Information on the use of criminal law

What was the action taken by the police?

How many people did the police detain or arrest?

What is the current status of the detained/accused persons?

Did the person face any violence while in police custody?

If any arrests took place, were the accused persons produced before a judge within 24 hours of the arrest?

If the accused was not produced before a magistrate within 24 hours, or not produced at all, what were the reasons?

Legislation under which the accused was charged

Was the accused person informed of their right to legal representation? Did the accused person have access to legal aid?

In cases where the accused person approached the court for bail, was bail granted?

Why was bail granted or rejected? If granted, what were the bail conditions and quantum of bail?

Were there any other notable irregularities that took place, or other significant details?

Resources

Resources Related to Conflict

  • News Articles Related to the Conflict:
  • Documents Related to the Conflict:
  • Links Related to the Conflict:

Images

Image Credit:  

Image Credit:  

Video

In September 2022, several residents led by civil society organisations (CSOs) carried out mass sit in protests in the hill districts of Ukhrul and Kamjong in Manipur. They were protesting the forceful occupation of their lands by the Assam Rifles in nine Tangkhul villages.

According to the residents, the land belongs to the Tangkhul Naga communities, who are the indigenous peoples of the state. They have been residing on those lands over several years. Assam Rifles has set up camps and establishments over private and community lands in the area without the consent of the Naga village councils and the Tangkhuls.

A mass rally of more than 5000 people gathered at the Ukhrul headquarters starting from two locations in the Dungrei junction of Hungpung and Mission compound, Ukhrul, culminating at Ava Market (Ima market), Phungreitang in the heart of the Ukhrul district headquarters. A memorandum was also submitted by the CSOs to the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, through Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh. A copy of it was shared with Francisco Cali Tzay, UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and Gam A Shimray, Secretary General, Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact.

In 2016, Assam rifles occupied the land and properties of its residents without the consent of the village headmen or community members. Assam rifles guarding the Indo-Myanmarese border are now facing rigorous resistance from Tangkhul apex bodies, civil society organizations, and Human Rights Groups.

Community members are demanding the urgent withdrawal of the Armed Forces Special power Act 1958 (AFSPA) from all the Hill Areas/ districts of Manipur. And respecting the Indo-Naga peace process. Condemning the occupancy, the Global Naga Forum (GNF) said “We ardently appeal for immediate intervention by the Prime Minister and the Home Minister if they are truly sincere in finding a non-military resolution to the Indo-Naga problem.”

While speaking to LCW, village headmen from the nine affected villages alleged, "Assam rifles forcefully occupied their land and established camps and outposts without prior consent and without following due cognizance of the law. If they want our land, they should do so according to the land acquisition process".

Spaces like public kitchen, common facility centre, children's home, rest houses, public play grounds are occupied.

Demand/Contention of the Affected Community

Demand for legal recognition of land rights

Demand to retain/protect access to common land/resources

Other Demand/Contention of the Affected Community

Demand to repeal Indian Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) from all Hills areas districts of Manipur

Region Classification

Rural

Type of Land

Common and Private

Type of Common Land

Forest and Non-Forest

Total investment involved (in Crores):

Type of investment:

Year of Estimation

Page Number In Investment Document:

Has the Conflict Ended?

No

When did it end?

Why did the conflict end?

Categories of Legislations Involved in the Conflict

Legislations/Policies Involved

Manipur Land Revenue and Land Reforms Act, 1960
Section 1 [The Act extends to the entire state of Manipur except the hill areas. The State government may extend the provisions of the act to any hill areas through notification in the official gazette] Section 158 [Transfer of land from members of Scheduled Tribes to non-members is prohibited unless it is made with the prior permission of the Deputy Commissioner in writing. The Deputy Commissioner must obtain the permission with consent from the District Council]
Manipur (Hill Areas) District Councils Act, 1971
Section 44 [All land transferred to the District Council shall be under its direction and management]
Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958
  1. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

  2. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

  3. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

  4. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

  5. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

  6. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

  7. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

Whether claims/objections were made as per procedure in the relevant statute

What was the claim(s)/objection(s) raised by the community?

What was the Decision of the Concerned Government Department?

Legal Processes and Loopholes Enabling the Conflict:

Lack of legal protection over land rights

Non-consultation with stakeholders

Violation of free prior informed consent

Legal Status:

In Court

Status of Case In Court

Disposed

Whether any adjudicatory body was approached

No

Name of the adjudicatory body

Name(s) of the Court(s)

Manipur High Court

Case Number

PIL No. 2 of 2019

Main Reasoning/Decision of court

In 2020, a PIL was filed by a resident of Ukhrul district before the Manipur High Court challenging an office memorandum issued by the Manipur State Government. This office memorandum allowed security agencies deployed in Manipur to purchase land through consultation with the state government. The petitioners contended that the existing Land Revenue Act could not be extended to the hill areas of Manipur and such land could only be regulated by Autonomous District Councils. However, the High Court held that the State Government could extend the provisions of the Land Revenue Act to the hill areas in Manipur through notifications. As such, the challenged office memorandum did not violate the rights of Scheduled Tribe members in the area. The Court reasoned that the prior permission of the Deputy Commissioner was necessary for valid transfer of land belonging to Scheduled Tribes to any non-Scheduled Tribe members.

Major Human Rights Violations Related to the Conflict:

No items found.

Whether criminal law was used against protestors:

No

Reported Details of the Violation:

Date of Violation

Location of Violation

Nature of Protest

Protests/marches

Development of a network or collective

Complaints/petitions/letters/memorandums to officials

Involvement of national and international NGOs

Campaigns (grassroots organisations/press releases/media)

Media-based activism/alternative media

Government Departments Involved in the Conflict:

Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Kamjong; Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Ukhrul; Assam Rifles (AR) (under the administration of the ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) & Ministry of Defence (MoD).

PSUs Involved in the Conflict:

Did LCW Approach Government Authorities for Comments?

Krishna Kumar, IAS, Deputy Commissioner of Ukhrul district was contacted. He refused to speak over the phone. He has not responded to our email yet.

Name, Designation and Comment of the Government Authorities Approached

Corporate Parties Involved in the Conflict:

Did LCW Approach Corporate Parties for Comments?

Communities/Local Organisations in the Conflict:

Tangkhul Naga Community, Tangkhul Naga Long, Tangkhul Shanao Long, Tangkhul Naga Wungnao Long, Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong and Tangkhul Mayar Ngala Long

Resources Related to Conflict

  • News Articles Related to the Conflict:
  • Documents Related to the Conflict:
  • Links Related to the Conflict:

Image Credit:  

Image Credit:  

Documented By

Text Link

Reviewed By

Text Link

Updated By

Text Link

Edited By

Text LinkLand Conflict Watch

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