Gwaltabi villagers urge Govt
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 30 2015 :
Expressing strong suspicion of presence of irregularities in the distribution of compensation amount, villagers of Gwaltabi whose houses and properties were damaged in a mob attack on April 30 this year have said that they would not accept the compensation until the actual entitled amount is handed over to them.
It may be mentioned that several houses, shops, vehicles and other properties were destroyed in the incident.
Speaking to reporters at Sawombung today, Gwaltabi villagers said that although 25 houses were actually vandalised on the day, it is mentioned in the Government record that 35 houses were damaged.
They alleged that while the name of an original resident of Gwaltabi identified as Thokchom Ito, whose house was damaged, was missing in the said record, an unknown person identified as Laishram Ratankumar is listed in the Government's record.
They further said that discrimination and favouritism were clearly visible in distribution of the compensation.
Some families whose houses suffered huge damage were meagerly compensated while partly damaged houses were hugely compensated, they said.
They also said that the JAC constituted in connection with the incident had said that they would deduct 1/3rd of the compensation amount.
As such, affected families would not accept the compensation amount until they get the actual entitled amount, they said.
BJP Manipur Pradesh RTI State Cell convenor Mongjam Poireihenba said that the State Government must seriously look into the matter at the earliest.
The irregularities came to light during a joint meeting of affected families held at the private residence of Lamlai AC MLA Ksh Biren on August 26 .
Imphal East DC was also present at the meeting, he said.
Urging the Government to maintain transparency in the distribution of compensation, Poireihenba also demanded that a resurvey of affected families and loss of properties be conducted at the earliest to resolve the issue.
BJP Manipur Pradesh RTI State Cell convenor Mongjam Poireihenba also urged the JAC not to deduct 1/3rd from the compensation amount of the affected families.