Villagers clamp indefinite ban on railway works
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 29 2017:
Marangching (Makhuam) villagers have imposed an indefinite ban on railway related works in the village undertaken by North East Frontier Railway from 1 am of today against the failure of the State Government to respond to the memorandum submitted to the Chief Minister to initiate action against DC Tamenglong .
The memorandum was submitted to the CM on June 22 last urging to issue direction to DC Tamenglong within 48 hours to withhold any compensation payment to controversial persons for land affected by the railway works considering the pending legal contestations on the matter .
The villagers today visited the railway tunnels built near the village where they staged a protest demonstration.
The irate villagers held banners reading, "Stop railway works in Marangching village", "Properties of the village cannot be compromised", "Do not indulge in corruption in rehabilitation process for villagers affected by the railway project" etc .
Speaking to media persons, secretary of Marangching Village Authority, Gungchalung Gangmei said that the DC issued an order on June 16 approving compensation payment of Rs 36.83 crore for 114.98 acres of land affected by the railway project .
He said that the order was issued despite pending Court cases on rehabilitation matter of the villagers .
The controversy on 137 acres of land affected by the railway project is being heard in the District and Sessions Court, Imphal West.
The DC has been summoned to appear before the Court on June 30, he said .
He pointed out that the arbitrary steps of awarding compensation violating Court process by the DC is a clear misuse of power.