Transition And Challenges in Tamenglong District, Manipur: Customary Law, Urbanisation, And Emerging Social Issues.

Abstract

This paper examines the evolving social and legal landscape of Tamenglong district, Manipur, focusing on the transition from village to town life and the challenges accompanying urbanisation. The study traces the shifts in population dynamics, customary laws, and the growing influence of written regulations on traditional oral systems. Methodology- Gathered and collected through interviews with older community members, The Local Ward Pei (LWP) system (customary court), once a central authority for resolving conflicts, faces new challenges from modern legal knowledge, youth-related issues such as gang violence, accidents and the increasing use of intoxication. Customary law is neither entirely relevant nor outdated—it depends on the context in which it operates. It remains relevant in many societies; mainly where formal legal institutions are weak or culturally disconnected.