Nagaram Locals oppose encroachment
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 16 2012:
Locals of Nagaram and adjoining areas torn down hoardings and set them aflame to protest alleged encroachment at a Nagaram location which had already been declared as a site for Green park development by the Government of Manipur.
Inspite of a gazette notification issued some years back some individuals were found to have put up hoardings at the 'reserved land' thereby provoking the locals who subsequently pulled down the hoardings and burnt them today.
the then Imphal East district Deputy Commissioner KK Chhetry in September 2006 had issued a gazette notice that reserved the strip of land of 3.82 acres size in between south of Naga River and north of Dingku Road as a site for development of Green Park.
A large number of locals gathered at the side from early morning and besides dismantling the hoardings conducted social service camp which including cleaning the Naga River in Nagaram section.
Chingai AC MLA MK Preshow, who also reached the spot voiced strong resentment at the intention of some individuals to grab the 'reserved land' .
Noting that the 'land occupation' was ultimately intended for setting up commercial shops, the MLA informed that the said site is being protected by Nagaram Village Authorities and the locals to facilitate development of the Green Park.
hinting at unscrupulous elements within the Settlement Department of issuing land allotment order (Dag Chitha) to some individuals, Preshow strongly condemned corrupt and selfish officials of the Settlement Department.
Observing that occupation of a public land by a handful of individuals is akin to provoking the locals, he also explained that land allotment process cannot be processed without the consent of the immediate neighbours, which in this case are the people of Nagaram.
Commenting on the matter, Heingang AC MLA N Biren disclosed that he was approached by some individuals to approve allotment of the said land which he rejected.
claiming that he has the names of those individuals, Biren affirmed that he would never allow commercial activities at the said site, already reserved for development of Green park.
While asserting that he is prepared to face any eventualities as a representative of the people, Biren also disclosed that the individuals who intent to possess the land are still harbouring ill-will against him.
He also declared before the people that as part of the Green Park development, two bridges would be constructed over the Naga River, in addition to processing construction of retaining walls and fencing works by October-November.