The Manipur government has directed concerned departments and senior district officials to complete the transfer of Thanlon Sub-Division from Pherzawl district back to Churachandpur district within seven days. The order was issued on July 29 by Secretary (Land Resources) Th. Kirankumar, instructing authorities to carry out the administrative transfer and submit a compliance report within the stipulated period.
The decision has revived a long-standing dispute over the administrative status of Thanlon, with Zomi organisations welcoming the move while sections of Pherzawl residents continuing to oppose it. Thanlon was included under the newly created Pherzawl district during the state’s district reorganisation exercise in December 2016. However, the government had issued an order in 2022 proposing its restoration to Churachandpur, which remained pending amid disagreements.
Zomi organisations have maintained that Thanlon, a Zomi-majority Assembly constituency, should be part of Churachandpur district, citing administrative and community interests. Earlier, the Zomi Village Chiefs’ Association had announced a boycott of the Pherzawl district administration, demanding implementation of the transfer decision.
Meanwhile, several groups in Pherzawl have opposed the move, arguing that retaining Thanlon under Pherzawl would maintain administrative convenience and preserve existing social and cultural connections. Representatives from 22 villages had earlier submitted objections during the consultation process.
The transfer remains a sensitive administrative issue in Manipur’s hill districts, with the government’s decision expected to have significant political and social implications for the affected communities.
