IMPHAL, Dec 21: The records of 500 unauthorized religious structures in public places in the state have been produced by the Deputy Commissioners of the districts of the state during the recently held State Review Committee meeting on unauthorized religious structure under the chairmanship of the chief secretary, Manipur DS Poonia.
According to an official source, as per official reports submitted by all concerned DCs of the state, Imphal west district has highest numbers of unauthorized religious structures in public places having 188 structures and followed by Imphal East having 112 structures, Thoubal 14 structures, Ukhrul two structures, Churachandpur 3 structures and Senapati having only one structure, besides there is no record of such unauthorized structures in public places in the districts of Tamenglong, Bishnupur andChandel districts as officially clarified by the concerned DCs during the recent review meeting.
The official source also mentioned that, the recent state review committee meeting chaired by the chief secretary examined the reports submitted by the concerned DCs during the meeting and it was noted that this reports represents an increased in the numbers of unauthorized religious structures in public places indicated in the affidavit filed in the Supreme Court and the matter was discussed in detail.
The official source further mentioned that, since the Supreme Court of India has initially given very limited time for the filing of affidavit by the state government, the state government had filed the affidavit indicating the number of unauthorized structures as submitted by the Deputy Commissioners based on their quick survey. Later, to ensure accuracy of the survey, the DCs had rechecked/re-verified in the field and the above list was based on this exercise.
The source also mentioned that the recent state review committee meeting has confirmed from the reports of the DCs concerned that the increase in number of unauthorized structures was not due to fresh/ new unauthorized structures being constructed. Later the meeting decided to file a fresh affidavit based on the latest list.
It is further instructed the DCs to initiate action for removal, relocation or regularization of these unauthorized structures immediately and to submit an action plan within one week to Revenue department and Home Department.
It may be mentioned that, the Supreme Court of India vide order dated 29.9.2009 had directed all the states that immediately, with effect from the said date of passing that order, no fresh unauthorized construction shall be carried out or permitted in the name of Temple, church, mosque or Gurdwara etc on public streets, public parks or other public places etc. The recent state review committee further reiterated that all the DCs should ensure that these directions of Supreme Court are strictly adhered to.