Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 04:
Citizens Concern for Dams and Development (CCDD) has strongly condemned the statement made by Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh during his recent visit to Manipur on December 2 that the foundation stone of Tipaimukh dam would be laid before Christmas as irresponsible and dictatorial that undermines the resolute stand of the people against construction of the controversial dam.
We also consider his statement represents a downright insensitivity to the basic survival call and irreparable threats to the basic livelihood issues of the people of Manipur and an effort to reinforce destructive and arbitrary form of development through undemocratic means, co-chairperson of CCDD Aram Pamei said in a statement.
She said CCDD would like to reiterate that the people of Manipur had been striving protection of their land and resources and any decision to undertake Tipaimukh dam would be an attempt to destroy their source of survival.
Demanding the Prime Minister to retract his statement and NEEPCO and the Government of Manipur to revoke the memorandum of understanding signed for construction of the dam, CCDD made it clear that people should be allowed to engage in the democratic process before taking up any developmental works.
In another statement, Committee Against Tipaimukh Dam said the announcement of the Prime Minister with regard to laying the foundation stone of the proposed Tipaimukh dam is against the democratic principles of the country and the wishes of the people concerned.
The statement signed by Aram Pamei for which she is also the convenor of the Committee asserted that the Prime Minister had committed the same mistake earlier when he laid the in laying the foundation stone of Capitol Project in 2005 at Imphal without the required Environmental clearances.
Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh's hope of getting the necessary environmental clearances within a short time is a clear indication that the Centre is intent to impose the construction of Tipaimukh dam by any means, she said, adding 'this, we don't expect from the head of the country'.