Manipur Government Orders Thanlon District Reassignment

Imphal: Manipur authorities gave district officials one week to move the Thanlon sub-division from Pherzawl back to Churachandpur. Secretary of Land Resources Th. Kirankumar issued the order on July 29. He wants a compliance report in seven days. This decision ignites old arguments over administrative borders.

The state carved Pherzawl out in December 2016. Thanlon moved into the new district then. The government proposed moving it back in 2022. That plan stayed stuck in limbo. Zomi groups applaud the shift. They claim the Hmar-majority Pherzawl hurts their political and social interests. The Zomi Village Chiefs' Association even staged a total boycott of Pherzawl administration to force this change. They claim their constituency belongs in Churachandpur.

Opposition remains fierce in Pherzawl. The Pherzawl District Development Committee claims the change ignores local needs. In 2021, representatives from 22 villages filed formal objections. They argue for administrative convenience. They label the government plan as politically motivated. The state still faces a high bar for final approval. Officials must secure support from at least 75 per cent of the affected villages to finalize the move. Critics remain vocal. Residents fear losing ties.