Village Growth Data Raises Questions Over Settlement Expansion in Manipur Hills

Imphal, June 3: Former Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on June 3 raised concerns over what he described as an uneven rise in the number of villages across several hill districts of Manipur between 1972 and 2023, citing official settlement records and satellite imagery-based data.

In a post on X accompanied by comparative district-wise settlement tables, Biren Singh highlighted what he termed a significant disparity in village growth patterns between Kangpokpi and Churachandpur districts on one side, and Ukhrul and Senapati districts on the other.

According to the figures shared in the post, Kangpokpi district had 193 identified or verified villages in 1972. By 2023, the number had increased to 713, marking a rise of 520 villages over a period of 51 years. In contrast, Ukhrul district increased from 93 villages in 1972 to 112 villages in 2023, an increase of only 19 villages during the same period.

Some numbers do not merely speak; they ask uncomfortable questions.

At the time of Statehood in 1972, Kangpokpi had 193 villages, while Ukhrul had 93 villages. By 2023, Kangpokpi’s village count had risen to 713, marking an increase of 520 villages. In contrast, Ukhrul’s… pic.twitter.com/r2FVppubkt

— N. Biren Singh (@NBirenSingh) June 3, 2026

The data also showed a similar contrast between Churachandpur and Senapati districts. Churachandpur reportedly had 339 villages in 1972, which increased to 874 by 2023, adding 535 villages. Senapati district increased from 129 villages to 166 villages during the same period, an increase of 37 villages.

The former Chief Minister further pointed to unidentified or unverified settlements listed separately in the reports. As of 2023, Kangpokpi had 54 unidentified or unverified settlements, Senapati had 43, Churachandpur had 27 and Ukhrul had 19.

The tables attached to the post were based on visibility of settlements on Survey of India (SOI) toposheets and satellite imagery during different benchmark years including 1972, 2005, 2010, 2015, 2022 and 2023.

Subdivision-wise figures also reflected sharp differences in expansion patterns. In Kangpokpi district, Saitu Gamphazol subdivision increased from 17 villages in 1972 to 137 villages by 2023. Island subdivision rose from 32 to 102 villages, while Saikul increased from 44 to 101 villages.

In Churachandpur district, Tubong subdivision showed one of the highest increases, rising from 33 villages in 1972 to 189 villages by 2023. Kangvai subdivision increased from 59 to 126 villages, while Henglep rose from 63 to 108 villages.

By comparison, growth in Ukhrul district remained relatively moderate. Ukhrul subdivision increased from 34 villages in 1972 to 42 villages in 2023, while Chingai rose from 19 to 21 villages. Jesami increased from 14 to 15 villages and Luchong-Maiphai from 26 to 34 villages.

Senapati district also showed comparatively limited expansion. Senapati subdivision increased from 26 villages in 1972 to 36 in 2023, while Paomata rose from 21 to 23 villages. Tadubi increased from 11 to 13 villages and Willong from 10 to 19 villages.

In his statement, Biren Singh said the issue should not be viewed as an attempt to target any community. He stated that the concern was about understanding demographic changes, examining the factors behind settlement expansion and discussing the issue based on official and satellite-recorded data.

The remarks come amid continuing debates in Manipur surrounding land ownership, migration, forest encroachment, village recognition and demographic shifts in the hill districts. The issue has remained politically sensitive, particularly after the ethnic conflict that began in the state in May 2023.

No official response had been issued by the state government or by hill-based civil society organisations at the time of filing this report.

Comparative District-Wise Village Growth (1972–2023)

Attached Reference Tables

Settlement summary table referenced in the post.

Settlement summary table referenced in the post.