Body condemns, appeals
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 20 2013:
Accusing volunteers of Laipham Khunou Development Association of going on the rampage and destroying properties of six households located at Poumei Colony and Laipham Siphai (Khunou)-Kairang Road in Sangakpham area on August 4, Landowners' Protection Committee (LOPC) strongly condemning the act of arson appealed to all concerned to exercise restraint.
Speaking to newspersons at District Council House Hall, Chingmeirong today, Committee convenor K Sani Alexander said Laipham Siphai Kairang area and Poumei Colony are being settled by people from different communities for decades.
Identifying owners of the houses devastated by the volunteers of Laipham Khunou Development Association as John Keishing, Newson Roel, Helena, Ningraingam, Bd Phoshring and Nitan Tamang, Alexander contended that the perpetrators caused destruction to 170 cement bags, 21 CI sheets, one truck load of sand (Dimapur), two portable water tanks (Sintex) and three generators.
Regretting that inspite of lodging a formal complaint (FIR) at Heingang police station on August 5 followed by presentation of memorandums to the Chief Minister and the Deputy CM on August 16 there is no sign of punitive action initiated against the perpetrators, he pointed out that the victims as well as others settled in the said areas have valid documents of land ownership.
Apart from joint meetings initiated by the LOPC with Laipham Khunou organisations in the presence of Heingang police representatives, the Committee had appealed to all concerned not to disrupt tranquillity of the multi-ethnic settlement areas, maintained the convenor.
Further highlighting that people from different hill districts prefer settlement in and around the capital city with Poumei Colony considered to the most suitable place due to easy accessibility to various Government health or education institutions, Alexander also informed that taking into account facilities available in the State capital a number of new houses are also being built at Sangakpham and Poumei Colony areas.
Reminding that globally there is no mandatory practice for preservation of agricultural lands within the city limits/municipal areas, he further affirmed that targeting Poumei Colony and Kairang road settlers is not justifiable in any manner for the land owners have duly complied with relevant land procurement/ownership procedures.
Prior to the media briefing during which Committee secretary Bd jameson was also present, a joint meeting attended by representatives of ATSUM, FTYC, ZYF, Mao Tribe Union, Anal Students' Union, KSO and NMHR was also convened at the District Council hall to deliberate on inaction of the State Government against those involved in the August 4 incident, he added.