The Tousem Area Students Organization (TASO) strongly condemned the notice - Vide No. DC (TML) F&E/2018 dated 23.01.2023 of the office of the Deputy Commissioner Tamenglong, regarding a joint Survey of Kaiphundai Reserved Forest Extension headed by Divisional Forest Officer, Jiribam and the Sub Divisional Office Staffs of Tousem.
The organization clarified in its statement that the Kaiphundai village is under the jurisdiction of the Tousem Sub Division. Hence any survey government officials intend to conduct must consult with the local people, Village Authority, and civil organizations.
The students furthered that such a survey is often designed to intrude and grab the land of the tribal community. Hence encroachers will not be tolerated. TASO also cautioned not to conduct any such survey without prior consultation with indigenous people and urged the government to reiterate its statement.
In case the government doesn't listen to the people's voices, they will resort to an indefinite bandh. The Tousem people will not be held responsible, but the Divisional Forest Officer, Jiribam, and the Forest Department, Manipur, if any untoward incident arises, added the students.
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