Process to resolve grievances of Mapithel dam-hit villagers in final stage: MDACTO
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 13 2018:
Mapithel Dam Affected Ching-Tam Organisation (MDACTO) has claimed to have reached the final stage for resolving the grievances encountered by the villagers hit by the dam.
Addressing a press conference held today near Mapithel dam, MDACTO general secretary T Somorjit Meitei said the organisation since its formation has been waiting for holding a talk with the State Government to address and resolve the untold grievances being faced by the villagers.
He contended that few organisations floated recently without the consent of the villagers have attempted to malign the image of MDACTO by making false statements through media.
He appealed to all the concerned organisations not to do so as it may shatter hopes and aspirations of the villagers who have been yearning for solutions to their grievances.
Several individuals who claimed as the supporters of MDACTO said that the organisation was formed way back in 2008 with the conscience of the dam-hit villagers and has been exerting pressure on the Government to resolve the grievances of the villagers and rehabilitate them.
They said that majority of the villagers support MDACTO and the allegations leveled against the organisation are baseless.
Recalling the genesis of MDACTO, they alleged that the villagers in and around Mapithel dam were deceived by the authority concerned by not disclosing details of the dam construction.
According to them, a grand feast was organised in one of the villages just to make the villagers happy.
However, few villagers who are literate went against against the deceitful act.
Soon after the construction of the dam started, the villagers came to realize about its adverse effects including submergence of their land portions.
Hence, a movement for halting construction of the dam culminated later.
There have been instances when bans were imposed against the construction, the villagers said.