AMBADA reiterates bandh stand
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 29 2017:
The All Manipur Border Area Development Association (AMBADA) has stated that it will not back down and carry on with its proposed bandh in all the hill districts of the State from mid night of August 30, in protest against the State Cabinet's decision in connection with the Border Area Development Programme (BADP) .
Speaking to media persons at Hotel Tampha, AMBADA president, Thangkholal Baite said that unless the State Government retracts its decision, the association will not stop its agitation and will also boycott any BADP works .
It may be mentioned that on August 26, AMBADA released a statement calling a 48 hour bandh from the midnight of August 30 in all the hill districts .
Thangkholal further said that the association will not change its stance until its demand is met .
He explained that according to the decision taken at the Cabinet meeting organised at Churachandpur on July 14, projects under Rs 5 lakh will be handed over to village authority and those exceeding Rs 5 lakh will be tendered to contractors .
He alleged that this decision is against the guidelines of BADP laid down by Ministry of Home Affairs and added that the people of the villages near the border areas are disappointed with the State Government's decision .
A total of around 236 villages from Churachandpur, Pherzawl, Chandel, Tengnoupal, Ukhrul and Kamjong, will come under BADP .
Thangkholal also pointed out that in 2012, the then Chief Secretary had issued an order directing all those concerned to adhere to the MHA guidelines when it comes to BADP projects.
He said that the association has already submitted a memorandum and even two ultimatums to the CM regarding the matter.
A copy of the memorandum has also been submitted to the Ministry of Home Affairs, he added.
Thangkholal appealed to the authority concerned to take up necessary measures regarding the issue, taking into account the interests of the 236 villages.