VAC leaders warn the new order could make tribal lands in Hill Areas vulnerable to acquisition by non-tribals, undermining protections under Article 371C.
BY PC Bureau
September 23, 2025 —A recent notification issued by the Manipur Land Resources Department has sparked widespread concern among the state’s tribal population, who view the order as an attempt to make tribal lands vulnerable to acquisition by non-tribals. The Village Authority Council (VAC) of Churachandpur has now formally rejected the September 18 notification.
In a press release signed by Chairman H. Mangchinkhup and Secretary Liammuanthang Valte, the council condemned the order as a blatant and unconstitutional attempt to encroach upon the rights of tribal communities in Manipur’s Hill Areas, protections guaranteed under Article 371C of the Indian Constitution.
The notification, which seeks to extend the Manipur Land Revenue and Land Reforms Act to the Hill Areas, has sparked outrage among tribal leaders. The VAC argued that the laws, originally intended for the non-tribal Valley regions, are incompatible with the unique governance and land tenure systems of the Hill Areas. Any attempt to implement these provisions without consulting the Hill Areas Committee (HAC)—a constitutionally mandated body under Article 371C—represents a direct violation of tribal autonomy, the council emphasized.
Constitutional Safeguards and the Role of the HAC
Article 371C, enacted following the President’s Order of June 20, 1972, provides special provisions for the administration of Manipur’s Hill Areas, home to the majority of the state’s tribal population. The VAC stressed that the Hill Areas, as defined in the First Schedule of the President’s Order, are exempt from laws that infringe on tribal rights unless approved by the HAC.
Comprising elected tribal representatives, the HAC ensures that any legislation affecting tribal lands is vetted and approved by those directly impacted. By bypassing the HAC, the Manipur government’s notification is both illegal and a breach of constitutional protocol, the VAC asserted. The council further noted that the HAC’s semi-autonomous status from the state legislature underscores its vital role as a protector of tribal interests.
A Pattern of Encroachment Under President’s Rule
The VAC framed the notification as part of a broader pattern of successive Manipur governments manipulating land laws to weaken constitutional protections for tribal communities. With President’s Rule currently in effect, the council accused the administration of exploiting this period to push divisive policies.
They highlighted the timing of the notification—issued amid heightened sensitivity following ethnic clashes in May 2023—as evidence of an intent to further erode tribal land rights. The VAC called for tribal unity to safeguard ancestral territories, whether formally surveyed or not, as boundaries between Hill and Valley Areas have become increasingly defined.
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Call for Tribal Unity and Resistance
In a strong appeal, the VAC urged tribal village chiefs, authorities, and communities to unite against what they termed an illegal land grab. They emphasized that resistance should be led by tribal leaders, not by the majority-driven state government. The council called for a halt to the government’s “encroachment agenda” and urged collective efforts to preserve peace and unity in the Hill Areas.
The press release underlined the importance of maintaining an environment conducive to lasting peace, in alignment with the Constitution’s vision for protecting indigenous rights. The VAC pledged vigilance, monitoring every move of the government and the President’s Rule administration to nullify the divisive impact of the notification.
Concerns Over a Uniform Land Law
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The council expressed deep concern that the government’s actions could signal a push toward a common land law for the entire state. They warned that such a law could favor a single non-tribal community, effectively stripping tribal groups of their land rights and exacerbating tensions. The VAC argued that this would undermine both the cultural and economic foundations of tribal life in the Hill Areas.
Chairman H. Mangchinkhup and Secretary Liammuanthang Valte reaffirmed the VAC’s unwavering commitment to protecting tribal lands. The statement, dated September 23, 2025, serves as both a protest and a rallying cry, urging immediate action to reverse the notification and safeguard the constitutional rights of Manipur’s tribal population.
The VAC’s stance is likely to resonate with other tribal organizations statewide, potentially sparking broader resistance against the government’s land policy initiatives. Their call for unity and vigilance marks a significant moment in the ongoing struggle for tribal autonomy in Manipur.
