Manipur Government Intensifies Eviction Drive: Dismantles Illegal Structures in Imphal East

IMPHAL: The Manipur government renewed its eviction drive today, focusing on unauthorized constructions in the Imphal East district. It also strongly appeals to citizens to respect public spaces and avoid encroaching upon government land and riverbanks.

Yesterday, the administration demolished a community hall erected illegally in the middle of a road at Hatta Golapati, near the Imphal River.

The demolition work was done using heavy machinery, such as bulldozers. The project was overseen by a combined team of SDO officials, police from the District Police, and officials from PDA. In video clips widely circulated on social media networks, a bulldozer can be seen smashing down the illegally constructed building that epitomizes the government's intent to retrieve public spaces.

Chief Minister N. Biren Singh turned to social media to drive the point home by posting a stern warning: "Build illegally; the bulldozers will pay a visit!" This message, coupled with the swift removal of the unauthorized community hall, underlines the administration's zero-tolerance policy toward encroachments.

In clear contravention of the law, the Hatta Golapati community hall was constructed along a road that blocked Nongpok Ingkhol, one of the crucial areas in Imphal East. Chief Minister Singh shared photos and videos of the structure as he highlighted the gravity of the issue.

Another instance is that a show cause notice was issued to a political leader for constructing a house on a road in Babupara, Imphal West district. Though the Chief Minister did not name the person, his words suggest more action against illegal constructions in the days ahead.

Addressing the public, Chief Minister Singh again appealed for collective support in the problem of encroachment. He urged citizens not to construct on government land or near riverbanks, stating that such long-term consequences would affect community development and environmental sustainability.

This renewed eviction drive reflects the government’s resolve to ensure lawful land use and maintain public order. It also sends a clear message to all sections of society that violations will not be tolerated, regardless of the perpetrators' affiliations or influence.

For many years, encroachment in Manipur has posed several challenges with traffic congestion, degradation of the environment, and several public disputes over public lands. Destruction of illegal constructions, besides being corrective is preventive to prevent future recurrence.

It is likely to be a mixed reaction to the actions of the government, applauded at one level by strict enforcement of the rule of law on public spaces, while others raise socio-political concerns that 'it singles out particular individuals or communities'. Then, it's going to matter to the administration how they ensure transparency and equity in these operations so that they attract greater social support.

As the drive continues, the government's message is clear: the protection of public spaces and the rule of law are non-negotiable.

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