Manipur BJP lawmaker seeks ‘equal’ land law 

Rajkumar Imo Singh of the ruling BJP has sought the cooperation of his fellow legislators in ensuring an “equal” land law in the ethnic conflict-scarred Manipur

GUWAHATI

An MLA of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has sought the cooperation of his fellow legislators in ensuring an “equal” land law in the ethnic conflict-scarred Manipur. 

Rajkumar Imo Singh, who represents the Sagolband Assembly constituency, said the Manipur Land Revenue and Land Reforms (MLR and LR) Act of 1960 needed to be less skewed against the Imphal Valley dwellers. 

The valley, dominated by non-tribal Meiteis, makes up about 10% of Manipur’s landmass. 

In a letter to all the members of the 60-member Manipur Assembly, he said the 1960 Act enacted by Parliament does not allow valley dwellers to buy land in the tribal-majority hill districts while tribals can buy land anywhere in the State. 

Mr. Singh said seeking a new land law that is equal for all citizens would be appropriate now. “As a legislator of the State, I seek the cooperation of all members of the august House to stand united and amend the MLR and LR Act in the Assembly, which will benefit the indigenous people,” he said. 

“Let us all unite for this cause and move together for the Act to be applicable and extended to the whole State. As this is an Act of Parliament, it has to be ultimately ratified and amended in Parliament for which we all should initiate in one voice,” he said.