CM in the dark over Maphou Dam killers
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 04, 2008: The identities of the gunmen (organisation) who shot dead five drivers engaged in the construction work of the Maphou (Mapithel) Dam which is a part of the Thoubal Multipurpose Project and causing serious injuries to another on the night of November 26 are yet to be established.

In response to a query raised by mediapersons during his inspection visit to Maphou Dam site today, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh said that investigation is on and the identity of the killers are likely to known very soon.

Chief MinisterO Ibobi talks tough while undertaking a tour of Maphou Dam, with all the facial protections

Cancelling the earlier plan of going by road, the Chief Minister arrived at the dam site by helicopter at around 2 pm.

Soon after his arrival, the Chief Minister first of all went to inspect the progress of earth-filled dam which is under construction.

During the course of the inspection, the Chief Minister issued strong instruction to the BSF authorities as well as to a JCO who was present as a representative of the Assam Rifles authorities not to allow any underground elements to disrupt the construction work of the dam.

The Chief Minister also assured that strong action would be initiated against any UG outfits which are signatories of the Suspension of Operation (SoS).

Afterward, the Chief Minister interacted with the workers of the Progressive Construction Limited who are engaged in the construction of the earth-filled dam.

After giving patient hearing to the complaints of the workers, the Chief Minister assured that no one would be allowed to interrupt in the construction project and the entire work site would be made into a full-proof security zone.

The Chief Minister further said that after the Assembly elections being held in some States, more paramilitary and State forces would be deployed in and around the dam site to ensure the completion of the dam within the set target of December 2009. While informing that a sum of Rs 1 lakh has been given as ex-gratia to the families of each of the five drivers who were killed in the November 26 night incident today, the Chief Minister said a sum of Rs 50,000 would also be given as financial assistance to the injured driver.

On top of this, the construction company would provide salaries for five years to the bereaved family members and the amount of the salary given to all the workers would be hiked by 10 percent from April 2009, the Chief Minister announced.

During his trip, the Chief Minister was accompanied by Irrigation and Flood Control Department Minister N Biren, Deputy Speaker Th Shyamkumar, DIG of BSF GK Sharma and an officer of 23 Assam Rifles.