The United Naga Council (UNC) has written a missive to Governor of Manipur for cancellation of the notification issued by the Secretariat, Land Resources Department, Government of Manipur, Vide Imphal, the 18th September 2025 regarding procedure for sale, purchase, and Registration of land in Manipur, contravening Article 371 C and contradicting the tribal land holding system in the state of Manipur.
UNC memorandum stated “we bring to your attention a pressing concern regarding a recent notification issued by the Land Resources Department, Government of Manipur, on September 18, 2025. The notification pertains to the procedure for sale, purchase, and registration of land in Manipur. However, this notification appears to contravene the special provisions under Article 371 C of the Indian constitution, which safeguards the interests of tribal communities in Manipur’s Hill Areas.
“All Scheduled matters in so far as they relate to the Hill Areas shall be within the purview of the Hill Areas Commmittee as per the Hill Areas Committee order 1972, promulgated by Dr.V.V.Giri, the then President of India. As such, traditional land holding system is still in vogue in the Hill Areas with the exception of few stretch of plain areas in Moreh, Churachandpur, Chandel and Khoupum valley under MLR and Land Reforms Act 1960.
“Under the Second Schedule, “the allotment, occupation, or use, or the setting apart of land(other than any land which is reserved forest) for the purposes of agriculture or grazing or for residential or other purpose likely to promote the interest of the inhabitants of any village or town situated within the Hill Areas:provided that nothing in this item shall apply to lands acquired for any public purpose or the acquisition of land, whether occupied or unoccupied, for any public purpose in accordance with any law for the time being in force authorising such acquisition”. There is no law that governs the sale of tribal lands in the “Hill Areas” and the tribal lands are either owned by individuals, communities, clans, Chiefs etc. and is based on the traditional and customary practices. Therefore, making notification applicable to the entire state of Manipur without reference to the constitutional provision enshrined under Article 371C is unconstitutional and illegal in the eye of law.”
United Naga Council warned that “the notification if implemented without taking into consideration the special provisions and traditional tribal land rights and interests of tribal communities in Manipur’s Hill Areas will potentially lead to explosion, social upheavals and social unrest.”
“In the light of the above concerns, we respectfully request that you consider cancelling the notification issued on September 18, 2025, and direct the Land Resources Department to revisit the policy, ensuring that it aligns with the constitutional provisions under Article 371 C and respects the rights of tribal people” added the memorandum jointly signed by NG. Lorho, President of UNC and Vareiyo Shatsang, General Secretary of UNC.
