Mapithel Dam opposed
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, April 22 2015 :
Protesting against the Mapithel Dam, a public meeting under the theme "UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and Mapithel Dam" was held at the Moirang Purel community hall on Wednesday.
The meet was jointly organized by Itham, Moirangpurel, Laikhong, Tumukhong, Nongpok Keithelmanbi villages and Human Rights Initiative (HRA).
A rally was later taken out by the participants after the meeting.
Meinam Ibotombi Meitei, Leitangthem Pishak Meitei, Sanabam Netrasingh Meitei, Heikrujam Gopal Meitei, Laishram Leibakchao Meitei, Chingakham Gopal Meitei and Chingakham Babu Meitei attended the meet as presidium members.
The Thoubal Multipurpose Project is known to the Naga as Mapithel Dam while the Kuki calls it Maphou dam.
HRA director W Joykumar said that the dam was constructed sans conducting proper
soil testing.
He said many villagers have been deprived of their livelihood after the dam water has been blocked.
Joykumar said livelihood of villagers residing nearby the dam depends on fishing and mining of sand from the river.
During the meeting a joint action committee (JAC) was formed against the Mapithel Dam and decided to launch sustained agitation.
The meeting also demanded suspension of the construction of the dam until suitable arrangements are made for the affected villagers.