Guwahati: The Manipur legislative assembly approved a bill on Monday aimed at imposing strict penalties, including imprisonment for up to three years and fines of up to Rs 2 lakhs, for unauthorized renaming of places.
Dubbed the Manipur Name of Places Bill 2024, the legislation received unanimous support in the assembly amid ongoing ethnic tensions between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. Instances of one community attempting to alter the official names of places predominantly inhabited by members of the other community prompted the enactment of this bill.
Expressing the government’s resolve to safeguard Manipur’s history, cultural heritage, and ancestral legacy, Chief Minister N Biren Singh stated, “We are committed to preventing unauthorized renaming and misuse of place names.” He added, “Offenders will face severe legal consequences.”
The Manipur Name of Places Bill, 2024, was unanimously passed by the assembly on Monday against the backdrop of ongoing ethnic strife between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, with instances of one community trying to change the official names of places more populated with members of the other community.
“The Manipur state government is serious about protecting our history, cultural heritage, and the legacy passed down by the ancestors and forefathers,” Chief Minister N Biren Singh emphasized. He further warned, “We will not tolerate renaming and misusing names of places without consent, and those guilty of the offense will face strict legal punishment.”
Also Read | ECI team visiting Assam for two days