The Manipur Government on Sunday demolished 69 houses constructed within Waithou Protected Reserved Forest in Thoubal district of Manipur. District Forest Officer of Thoubal, Th Lokendro said, "As many as 69 houses were completely demolished as the eviction of illegal structures within the Waithou Protected Reserved Forest area under the Thoubal Forest Division."

"Dismantling of illegal structures in Waithou Protected Forest area and others will be taken up phase-wise. Over 180 illegal encroachers were found settling in the Waithou forest area. As many as 71 illegal pattadars were served show-cause notice and 69 structures were evicted," Lokendro said.