TODAY -
Mapithel Dam Affected Villages Organization Chadong Village, BPO Chadong, Ukhrul, Manipur Press Release - 22 January 2008 |
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While, CCDD and MDAVO expresses concern that the project authorities have refused a complete and holistic review of this more than 20 years old uncompleted Project, it is with much regret that a Review Committee for only the Resettlement and Rehabilitation (R & R) has been agreed upon with the formation of a Review Committee on 3 January 2008. As a follow up to this, a Terms of Reference (TOR), for the newly formed Review committee, drafted in consultation with affected people and several organizations and individuals, has been unanimously endorsed and adopted by the General Assembly of the MDAVO on 16 January 2008 at Ramrei Aze Village, Ukhrul District (attached). This is now being placed before the government and the expert committee to be the guiding principle for the Review of R & R. CCDD and MDAVO continue to insist that the protection of the livelihood and betterment of the affected people should be the norm for any development project rather than the old thinking that the affected people are hurdles to such projects. It is with this view that the TOR has been endorsed, and thereby should be adopted in its entirety by the Committee.
MDAVO and CCDD urge that the Review Committee should immediately begin its work within 10 days from today. It is also urged upon that the project authorities to immediately suspend all activities related to the dam and to demilitarize the Dam site until the final implementation of the R & R as recommended by the Review Committee is complemented. Such an act from the government will rebuild trust and a healthy relationship with the affected people which shall succor well for the future of the project. MDAVO and CCDD also express its support to the downstream affected people who now have decided to demand their rightful space in the project. Today’s historical rally and the meeting marks the convergence of the affected people of both upstream and downstream to reinforce their demand for justice, equity and respect of the rights of indigenous peoples. The government of manipur may well listen to the voice of its people, the rightful owners of the land, water and forest. Citizens Concern for Dams and Development Jupiter Yambem Center, Paona International Market Imphal West 795001, Manipur This information is sent to e-pao.net by Ramananda Wangkheirakpam (from CCDD) - wramd(at)yahoo(dot)com . This PR was webcasted on January 22nd, 2008 |
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