AMTU submits memorandum

Newmai News Network

IMPHAL | Nov 6

All Manipur Tribal Union (AMTU) has submitted a memorandum to the Chairman of Hill Areas Committee (HAC), Government of Manipur seeking feasibility to promulgate an Act to enable “hill tribal people” of Manipur to own land ownership patta under Autonomous District Council (ADC) Act.

“With profound gratitude for your esteemed relentless service in safeguarding the interest of the Hill Areas, we have to state a few lines seeking your wisdom on the above stated matter”, the memorandum said.

According to the memorandum, under the purview of Acticle 371(C), MLR/LR Act.1960 cannot be extended in the Hill Areas of Manipur. “This had prompted many land owners and homestead owners of the Hill Areas to register such lands under MLR/LR Act.,1960 which records are maintained in the neighbouring valley districts,” it said, adding, “This was done so, inadvertently just to acquire land ownership patta for ownership, security and collateral purposes”.

According to AMTU, now it has become a matter of dispute for land records between hill districts and their neighbouring valley districts, which sometimes ignites communal flare-up and disharmony.

On the other hand, people of the Hill Areas face inconveniences in absence of land ownership patta system upon which their lands are huge but no valuation or cadastrally surveyed and recorded, the memorandum also said. Such lands cannot be used as collateral or mortgaged on certain essential cases such as bank loans or industrial government’s financial aids, it added.

“Hence, you are persuaded kindly to see into the matter by constituting a sub-committee and find out feasibility to amend the District Council Act to enable hill tribal people of Manipur to acquire land ownership patta under ADC which could also lend premium revenue exchequer and incorporate or accommodate the land records lying in some valley districts under the same,” the memorandum said.