The Civil Society Organisations of Tamenglong has strongly condemned the State Government’s Land Order and demanded immediate revocation of the same.
The Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) Tamenglong (INU-TZ, LNCM-TZ, RNCM-TL, ZNCM, JTWA-TZ, CSAT, & VACC- Tamenglong, Tamei, Tousem) today strongly condemned the recent notification issued by the Land Resources Department, Government of Manipur, on September 18, 2025, regarding the procedure for sale, purchase, and registration of land in the Manipur state.
The press release stated “in an unanimous resolution, the CSOs take this government order as a direct assault on the constitutional rights and traditional land holding systems of the tribal communities in the Hill Areas of Manipur. The order, which seeks to impose a uniform land revenue system across the entire state, blatantly contravenes the special protections guaranteed under Article 371C of the Indian Constitution and the provisions of the Hill Areas Committee (HAC) Order of 1972.
“The CSOs highlighted that the tribal lands in the Hill Areas are governed by age-old traditional and customary practices, with ownership vested in individuals, communities, clans, and Chiefs. The Second Schedule of the Manipur Legislative Assembly (Hill Areas Committee) Order, 1972, explicitly places matters concerning land in the Hill Areas within the purview of the HAC.
“The state government’s notification is unconstitutional and illegal. By bypassing the HAC and ignoring the distinct socio-cultural and land tenure systems of the tribal people, the government is attempting to undermine the very fabric of our society. This move is seen as a precursor to the dispossession of tribal lands and the erosion of our identity.
“The CSOs Tamenglong fully and unequivocally endorse the memorandum submitted by the United Naga Council (UNC) to the Honourable Governor of Manipur on September 25, 2025. The CSOs stand in solidarity with the UNC and other tribal bodies in opposing this draconian order.
“The Civil Society organizations Tamenglong warned that the implementation of such a notification, without regard for the constitutional safeguards and tribal land rights, will inevitably lead to severe social unrest, instability, and conflict within the state.
Therefore, the CSOs Tamenglong demand that the State Government:
1. Immediately cancel the notification dated September 18, 2025, issued by the Land Resources Department.
2. Respect and uphold the provisions of Article 371C and the Hill Areas Committee Order, 1972. 3. Refrain from introducing any land-related policy without prior consultation and explicit consent from the tribal communities through their constituted bodies.
The CSOs Tamenglong also appealed to the Honourable Governor of Manipur to intervene in this critical matter to protect the rights of the tribal people and ensure peace and harmony in the state. The press release was jointly signed by Ariang Panmeι, Convenor, CSOs Tamenglong & Chairman, RNCM-TL, Makiujei Gangmei President, CSAT, Namsulung Gonmei, President VACC, Amy Kamson, Convenor JTWA-TZ, L. Bariam, Chairman, INU, Rajelung Newmai, Vice Chairman, LNCM-TZ and NH Ramtahung Vice President, ZNCM.
