Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 10:
The Hmar Inpui, Churachandpur has formally communicated to the Chairman and Managing Director of North Eastern Electric Power Corporation (NEEPCO) to schedule a meeting for discussion on various issues arising out of the proposed Tipaimukh project.
As per a copy of the Inpui's memorandum to the NEEPCO authorities, a body christened 'Hmar Inpui Committee on Tipaimukh Dam' (HICTD) was constituted as a nodal agency during the December 29 meeting of all major Hmar community mandated organisations.
Informing that the nodal agency of the Hmar community will look into all aspects of the proposed project and the impact people of the Hmar community would endure, as and when the project is implemented, the Inpui highlighted that interest of the community had been overlooked when the MoU between the State Government and NEEPCO was signed on January 9, 2003 .
Emphasising that project-related issues like compensation, rehabilitation, security, employment and benefit to the affected people are of paramount interest to the Hmars, the Inpui representation expressed that NEEPCO's approach to the matter is unsatisfactory.
Stating that many issues of importance to the Hmar community remain untended till date thereby necessitating a meeting between NEEPCO authorities and functionaries of HICTD at an early date.
Further conveying to representatives of all villages and associations within the project area to refrain from raising issues with NEEPCO at the local level or any other Dam-related matters, the Inpui also cautioned NEEPCO team or officials setting foot at Hmar areas in both Manipur and Mizoram till the proposal for convening the meeting had been obliged.
President of Hmar Inpui Selkai Hrangchal has been appointed as the HICTD chairman with president of Hmar Students' Association Dr John Pulamte as the secretary.
The Committee also has six members.