Tribal livelihoods in Churachandpur district have undergone significant changes over time. Manipur is focusing on the shift from traditional Jhum (shifting cultivation) to urban-based living centered around Lamka town. A mixed-methods approach was adopted to capture both spatial and socio-economic dimensions of this transition. Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) changes were analyzed using Landsat 5, 7 and 8 satellite imagery for the years 1995, 2005, 2015 and 2025, applying supervised classification techniques to quantify land transformation. In addition, 20-25 semi-structured interviews were conducted with migrant households to explore the drivers, experiences and implications of migration. The results indicate a significant expansion of built-up areas from 2.8% in 1995 to 14.6% in 2025, alongside a decline in agricultural land from 42.3% to 28.7%. Migration is largely driven by declining agricultural productivity, increased access to education, and the search for diversified income opportunities. While urban migration has improved access to infrastructure, services, and household income, it has also led to cultural disintegration, weakening of traditional practices, and rising livelihood uncertainties. The study concludes that the shift from Jhum cultivation to urban living reflects not only environmental and economic change but also deep socio-cultural transformation, highlighting the need for inclusive and culturally sensitive development policies.