Manipur Loumi Kanba Lup appeals for preservation of agricultural land
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 13 2014 :
A sit-in protest was staged today at Chingjin village in protest against the Government's decision to set up a Sports University at Yaithibi Loukol, in Thoubal District.
The sit-in protest was organised by the 44-Yaithibi Loukol Land Owners' Association and was participated by residents of Sora village, Koijam Maning village, Langthabal Khunou village and Laiching Minou Maring village.
Meanwhile, an executive meeting of the Manipur Loumi Kanba Lup was held today at Irabot Bhavan to discuss the issue of building sports university and other such developmental works in agricultural areas and the ongoing issue of ILP.
Manipur, undoubtedly, is sports capital.
As such, the centre and State Government's decision to set up a sports university in the State is, nevertheless, worth applauding.
However, a statement issued by general secretary, Manipur Loumi Kanba Lup, appealed concerned authorities to take into consideration the people's voice before finalising the area where the university would be erected.
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Unpredictable monsoons, want of canals and dams for irrigation hinders the production of food grains in the State.
Majority of food grains available through out the year are imported food grains as the State's produce could not cope up for the entire population.
Keeping the above conditions in view and considering land usage and agricultural land policy, the Lup has appealed State Government to preserve agricultural lands.
It further, in support for the ILP movement, urged the State government to implement the system at the earliest and also to complete the imphal-Jiribam road construction on time.
Meanwhile, farmers residing in Yaithibi Loukol area in a statement have appealed to the State Government to reconsider its decision to set up Sports university at 44 Yaithibi Loukol today.
Yaithibi Loukol, according to the farmers, is a fertile agricultural land favourable for potato and mustard cultivation.
Farmers of the area earn their livelihood by selling these food products.
As such, the setting up of sports university in the area would mean taking away the livelihood from the locals.
Yaithibi Loukol farmers have, therefore, requested State Govt to withdraw its stand to set up the sports university at the 44 yaithibi Loukol area in favour of the villagers.