AMMOCOC urges Government
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 04 2019:
Condemning the lack of any positive response from the Government's side in connection with various demands raised against the eviction drive at Kshetri Bengoon Awa Ching last year, land acquisition at Mantripukhri and various other issues affecting the Muslim community, the All Manipur Muslim Organisation Coordinating Committee (AMMOCOC) has demanded the State Government to do the needful before the election code of conduct comes into effect, warning that failure to do so will result in AMMOCOC and other Muslim associations launching intense forms of agitation against the Government.
Speaking to media persons at AMMOCOC office at Hatta today, its president SM Jalal said that following a mass protest rally organised by AMMOCOC and Muslim organisations against the eviction drive at Kshetri Bengoon Awa Ching and the land acquisition at Mantripukhri, the Government invited the association for a talk and an agreement was reached.
As per the agreement, the Government agreed to refrain from acquiring the land in Mantripukhri which it had planned to acquire under the Manipur Conservation for Paddy Land and Wetland Act 2014.It was also agreed at the time that a field visit with Government officials and representatives of the CSOs would be organised within three weeks time and a final agreement would be signed and office memorandum would be issued.
However, there have been no positive developments till date, he decried.
On the other hand, following the backlash due to the destruction of 74 houses at Kshetri Bengoon Awa Ching on July 3 for alleged illegal encroachment on the State forest area, AMMOCOC along with various Muslim associations came to an understanding with the Government under the condition that the owners of the houses destroyed during the eviction will be provided alternate arrangements for accommodation.
But till date, the agreement has not been respected by the Government as well, he said.
On the other hand, SM Jalal continued that the WAQF Board office is in a deplorable condition and even though 150 teachers were appointed way back in 2011, they have not been regularised till now.
He also condemned the alleged diversion of benefits meant for the minorities, under Prime Minister Vikash Karyakram (PMVK) programme, to other non minority communities.
As such, if the State Government fails to address all these issues before the election code of conduct for the coming Lok Sabha election comes into effect,.
AMMOCOC in collaboration with various CSOs will launch intense agitation, he warned.