IMPHAL, October 21: The Thadou Students Association strongly oppose the reported acquisition of 3000 acres of tribal land for the purpose of setting up a smart city at Moreh/Haolenphai, Chandel district, said the student body`™s president Lamminlung during a press conference at the Manipur Press Club here today.
Lamminlung stated that it is against the customary law and tradition to sell land for any reason whatsoever and added that `We are ready to die to safeguard the traditional land for the cause of our people.`
The Thadou Students`™ Association demanded the State government to clarify whether the reported acquisition of land as stated by Industries minister Govindas Konthoujam through the press statement is true.
He said the Kukis`™ and other tribal people`™s interest, culture, languages, tradition, social set-up and land rights should be respected and protected at all times.
The TSA also urged the government to issue a press statement in tribal interest regarding the above demands at the earliest, failing which the TSA, together with the public and other like-minded organisations will take up appropriate actions at right time in pursuit of the demands, said Lamminlung. The TSA reiterates its position and that of Kuki tribal that people of Haolenphai wants or need the seting up of the smart city in the area.
Stating that the student body`™s demand supported by several other organization, he added that even an inch of Kuki tribal land will not be compromised for any reason as it is not a negotiable issue. Lamminlung further asserted that `we want development that we need, but not imposed development that we do not need. What the Kukis are really struggling for is the land, culture and ethnic identity and it is the land that we need most.`
He also said that a memorandum was submitted to the Chief Minister of Manipur and also to the Union Home Minister on September on September 15 on the issue.
Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/10/tsa-opposes-land-acquisition-for-smart-city-at-moreh/