Manipur Police Thwart Attempt to Establish ‘Paite Bazar’ in Khumujamba Leikai
Manipur police successfully foiled an attempt to forcibly establish ‘Paite Bazar’ at Khumujamba Leikai in the Churachandpur district on Saturday.
Khumujamba Leikai, a village in the Churachandpur district, was historically inhabited by the Meitei community until they were displaced during recent conflicts. The Meiteis, a minority in this Kuki-dominated district, faced significant adversity.
Following the incident on May 3 of the previous year, all houses belonging to the Meitei community in the village were set on fire by the dominant community and Kuki militants, forcing the Meiteis to flee. Subsequently, the dominant groups bulldozed the abandoned structures.
Manipur police reported receiving information on Saturday evening about market vendors gathering in the Khumujamba area. A police team promptly responded and cleared the area, detaining 24 individuals who were later released on PR bonds. Police personnel remain stationed at Khumujamba to prevent further incidents and ensure the area remains free from illegal activities, in accordance with Supreme Court guidelines.
In response to the recent conflicts, the Manipur government has implemented measures to prevent the unauthorized renaming of places. The 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly passed ‘The Manipur Names of Places Bill, 2024’ to protect indigenous place names.
On October 8, 2023, the state government issued an order prohibiting the renaming of districts, subdivisions, places, institutions, and their addresses without state approval.
Additionally, the Khumujamba Meitei Leikai Patta-Dar (Land-owner) Association submitted a complaint to Chief Minister N Biren Singh on April 17, 2023, outlining the challenges faced by the Meitei community. The complaint noted that the Zenhang Lamka Village Authority declared that land transactions under its jurisdiction required its consent, causing distress among villagers.
The relocation of the Khumujamba polling station to Zenhang Lamka(J) has led to confusion during elections. Obtaining essential documents now requires a consent letter from the Zenhang chief, adding bureaucratic hurdles.
Households not paying hill house tax are excluded from NREGS benefits, adversely affecting their livelihoods. Additionally, all government development projects must be approved by the Zenhang Chief, causing delays.
The Khumujamba Meitei Leikai, one of the oldest Meitei settlements in Churachandpur, comprises 200 households with a population exceeding 1,500. Despite this, the community faces neglect and discrimination.
The complaint urged the government to officially recognize the village and grant the Khumujamba Meitei Leikai Patta-Dar Association the authority to issue residential certificates. It also called for improved amenities and services for the village. The villagers are seeking prompt government action to address their grievances.
