HUNDUNG VICTIMS OF DEVELOPMENT THROUGH ITS CONVENER, DAVID MAHUNG Vs. NORTH EASTERN COUNCIL AND OTHERS

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This petition in CR No. 1331/90/1/91 under Art. 226 of the Constitution of India has been filed by the villagers of Hundung Village, Ukhrul District, Manipur, who have formed themselves as Hundung Victims of Development and the members of this petitioner organisation consists of persons whose lives have been adversely affected by the industrial policy of respondents. The members of the petitioner organisation have come together to defend their rights to life and to participate fruitfully in the development of the area.

(2.) The petitioner village is one of the largest village and it has its boundaries with Ukhrul where the District Headquarter is located. The villagers of Hundung village are the inhabitants of Ukhrul District belonging to the Tangkhul Naga community of Manipur. Ukhrul District is situated in the East of Imphal, the capital city of the State of Manipur. Ukhrul, the District Headquarters is at a distance of about 80 KMs from Imphal. The inhabitants of this hill district of Manipur are educationally and economically backward.

(3.) The respondent No. 1 in CR No. 1331/90/1/91 is the North Eastern Council which was constituted under the North Eastern Council Act, 1971. Under the aforesaid Act, the Council has a statutory duty to secure a balanced development of the North Eastern Region. Respondent No. 3 (Deputy Commissioner) is the competent authority for the acquisition of land and for all such other related problems in the district.