IMPHAL, March 8: The All Naga Students’ Association Manipur (ANSAM) has sought clarification from Inner Manipur Lok Sabha MP Dr Bimol Akoijam over his reported remarks on forest land in the hill areas, the demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for Meiteis and criticism of constitutional safeguards under Article 371C.
In a statement issued on Saturday, ANSAM said the MP’s comments, circulated widely on social media since January 14, 2026, raise concerns over the constitutional and historical rights of indigenous tribal communities in the State.
The student body stated that Article 371C was introduced during Manipur’s transition to statehood to safeguard the rights of tribal communities over land, resources, culture and customs. It noted that the provision created the Hill Areas Committee (HAC) in the Manipur Legislative Assembly and entrusted the Governor with special responsibility for the administration of hill areas.
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ANSAM also claimed that court rulings, including those of the Supreme Court, have affirmed that there is no government “khas land” in the hill areas and that land belongs to indigenous tribal communities under customary ownership. It said compensation for land use in the hills is therefore paid directly to tribal landowners.
Contrasting this with the valley areas, ANSAM said land in the valley became state property after Manipur’s merger with India in 1949 and is administered under statutory land revenue laws, unlike the customary land systems in the hills.
The organisation said statements suggesting that forest land in hill areas could be claimed by communities outside traditional tribal inhabitants undermine established legal and constitutional frameworks.
ANSAM also questioned whether the MP’s remarks reflect his personal views or the official position of the Indian National Congress. It further criticised the demand for ST status for Meiteis, calling it “a paradox” for a community claiming a long civilisational history.
The student body urged the MP to issue a clear public clarification on his stand regarding Article 371C, tribal land rights in the hill areas and the implications of extending ST status to non-tribal communities.
It warned that failure to clarify the position could lead ANSAM to consider both the MP and the Congress party as “anti-tribal.” The Naga student body then said they issued this in the interest of protecting the constitutional rights, land and identity of the tribal peoples of Manipur. (NNN)
