Kuki Inpi Urges Governor to Scrap Land Notification, Cites Threat to Tribal Rights and Constitutional Violations

The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the apex body representing the Kuki tribal community, has submitted a formal appeal to the Honorable Governor of Manipur, Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla, seeking immediate cancellation of a controversial land notification issued by the Land Resources Department on September 18. The organization argues that the directive poses a serious threat to tribal land rights and violates constitutional safeguards meant to protect the autonomy of the hill areas.

In its letter to the Governor, KIM expressed deep concern over the recent notification, which outlines a new procedure for the sale, purchase, and registration of land throughout the state. According to KIM, the notification disregards existing constitutional and legal provisions that prevent the transfer of tribal land to non-tribals and bypasses mandatory consultation with the Hill Areas Committee (HAC).

"The notification is being perceived by tribal communities as yet another attempt by the state government to dilute protections over traditional tribal lands," KIM stated, warning that the move may further intensify the ongoing ethnic tensions in the state. The organization described the action as a “nefarious policy” that seeks to facilitate encroachment on hill areas by non-tribal individuals or entities under the guise of administrative reform.

The letter highlights that Manipur operates under a dual land law system, where the Manipur Land Revenue & Land Reforms Act, 1960 applies only to the valley areas and explicitly excludes the hill tribal areas. The hill regions, home to various tribal communities, are governed by customary laws and protected under Article 371C of the Indian Constitution, which mandates the formation of the Hill Areas Committee for any legislative matters related to these regions.

KIM accuses the state government of systematically bypassing the HAC, thereby undermining its constitutional role and authority. “Issuing such a notification without seeking the approval of the Hill Areas Committee raises serious legal and constitutional concerns,” the organization asserted.

The letter also recalled past attempts to introduce legislation perceived to threaten tribal land rights, including the push for Scheduled Tribe status by the valley-majority community, which KIM believes was aimed at enabling access to protected hill lands.

Citing multiple legal safeguards — including Section 158 of the Manipur Land Revenue and Land Reforms Act, and the Assam Land & Revenue Regulation (Amendment) Act, 1965 — the KIM leaders urged the Governor to act decisively to uphold the Constitution.

“Allowing such notifications to stand not only disrespects the legal framework of the country but also poses a threat to the integrity of the constitutional structure,” wrote CH. Ajang Khongsai, President of KIM, and Khaikhohauh Gangte, General Secretary.

The tribal body called on the Governor to intervene promptly to revoke the notification and ensure future decisions affecting the hill areas are made in consultation with the Hill Areas Committee, in accordance with constitutional provisions.