Manipur Bans Land Transfers From Indigenous To Outsiders
Manipur restricts land transfers to protect indigenous rights.
Manipur government has issued a notification banning the registration of deeds for transferring land from indigenous people to non-indigenous outsiders. The move, effective immediately as of Thursday, September 18, 2025, aims to preserve the cultural and economic heritage of the state’s native population amidst growing concerns over land alienation in the region.
The Land Resources Department’s notification explicitly prohibits the transfer of land—whether through sale, gift, or mortgage—from indigenous individuals to non-indigenous persons. However, an exception has been carved out: transfers to non-indigenous individuals are permitted if the transferee is a permanent resident of Manipur. This clause seeks to balance local economic activity while ensuring that land remains within the state’s resident population, preventing external entities from acquiring sensitive indigenous territories.
To enforce this policy, the government has established a rigorous verification process. Individuals intending to purchase land must submit applications to the deputy commissioner (DC) of the relevant district. The DCs are tasked with scrutinizing these applications before forwarding them to the administrative secretary of the Land Resources Department. An internal committee will then conduct a detailed review, passing its findings to a panel of officers who will recommend whether to grant permission for the sale deed registration, in accordance with the Manipur Regulation of Sale Deed Registration (Amendment) Rules, 2023.
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Adding a layer of financial transparency, the notification mandates that any land transaction exceeding Rs 2 lakh must be conducted via account-to-account transfer or cheque, aiming to curb illicit cash dealings and ensure traceability. This measure reflects the government’s commitment to regulating high-value transactions while protecting the integrity of land ownership in the state.
The decision comes against the backdrop of Manipur’s complex socio-political landscape, where land is not just an asset but a cornerstone of indigenous identity and livelihood. Activists and community leaders have long voiced concerns about the potential erosion of indigenous land rights due to unchecked transfers, particularly in a state where ethnic diversity and historical tensions shape local dynamics. By imposing these restrictions, the government signals its intent to prioritize the interests of its indigenous population while fostering sustainable development within the state.
As Manipur takes this bold step, the policy is expected to spark debates on balancing economic growth with cultural preservation. Stakeholders, including real estate developers and indigenous groups, will be closely watching how the new rules reshape land ownership patterns in the state. For now, the message is clear: Manipur’s land belongs to its people, and the government is determined to keep it that way.
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