Manipur faced the exact same issue. As many as 31 villages were illegally recognized within a Protected Forest area in Churachandpur by an SDC in 1988. In 2008, five villages were illegally recognized in areas under the jurisdiction of the Small Town Committee in Moreh by Commissioner P.C. Lawmkunga, based on recommendations from the Hills Department and the Small Town Committee itself was dissolved.

As per established procedure, the recognition of villages falls under the purview of the Revenue Department. As per the Rules of the Business of the Government of Manipur, the creation of districts, sub-division, Tehsils and villages, and alteration of boundaries are allocated to the Revenue Department. Violating these rules, the officials of the Forest Department, such as the DFO, PCCF, SDC, and SDO, were giving recognition to villages.

These illegal and misuse of power sowed the seeds of the crisis in Manipur. ——Hon’ble Assam Chief Minister, Shri @himantabiswa ji, has exposed a significant issue involving a senior forest officer, who allegedly enabled settlements by Bangladeshi illegal immigrants leading to the encroachment of over 5,000 acres of forest land. Despite facing a strong challenge against the eviction drives, Shri@himantabiswa remains firm in his government’s resolve to protect Assam’s forests, culture, and identity.

~ N. Biren Singh, Former CM, Manipur