Chingdai villagers protest against 'imposition' of forest act, 1927

Residents of Chingdai area in Kangpokpi district on Tuesday protested against what they said unlawful imposition of Forest Act, 1927 and its Amendment Act in Chingdai area. They held placards that read "We oppose Indian Forest Act, 1927 and its Amendment Act". The protesters also demanded the Manipur government to implement Scheduled Tribes and other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Forest Rights) Act, 2006 enacted by the Parliament of India. The Chingdai residents said imposition of  British-era Indian Forest Act, 1927 and its Amendment Act infringes upon the rights of the tribal chief. Chingdai Area Kuki Youth Organisation (CAKYO) president Seilal Haokip said "We strongly oppose the imposition of Indian Forest act 1927 and Manipur Forest Act 1971 and other Ammendment Acts in Khamenlok-gwaltabi range, particularly in Chingdai area without prior notification and consent of the people." He appealed to the concerned government officials to refrain from such 'unlawful activities' in order to maintain peace, harmony and development in the state.