Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, January 02 2022: Expressing concern over rapid shrinking of paddy cultivation land in the state, Loumee Kanglup Lamphel has appealed to the state government for strict enforcement of the Manipur Wetlands and Paddy Land Preservation Act, 2014 to protect the farmland of the state.
Loumee Kanglup Lamphel organised a sit-in protest at Lamphel on December 31 to register protest against taking over the farmland in Lamphel area by Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association which the farmers' group has land holding documents for nearly 50 years.
Interacting with media persons at the protest venue, Loumee Kanglup general secretary Nongmaithem Ibohal said that the farmland measuring around 42 acres out of the total area of 90 acres has been in the custody of the farmers' group for nearly 50 years and they have been producing paddy and other seasonal vegetables for years.
The group was established in 1975.Land holding documents (Dag Chitha) were issued to the member farmers by the settlement department in 1976 .
The government even kept the area untouched at the time of constructing NIT Imphal.
However, MHRPA produced some forged land holding document with signatures of an assistant survey and settlement officer, and a supervisor in 2019 to stake claim over the area.
The land holding document also classify the area as homestead land, which is rather confusing, he said while drawing attention of chief minister N Biren to take up necessary action and protect the farmland by strictly enforcing the Manipur Wetlands and Paddy Land Preservation Act 2014 .