Source: Lalmalsawm Sungte *
Churachandpur, August 05:
The controversial Tipaimukh dam which is set to come up at the confluence of Tuiruong River (Barak) and Tuivai River on the borders of Manipur and Mizoram has invited many players from individuals, NGOs, governments and now militants who say they wanted to protect their tribe's interest.
The Hmar People's Convention (Democratic), a militant group which had earlier destroyed NEEPCO's drilling machines on April 26 this year, in a press statement released to local media has said they will continue to oppose the construction of the dam as "Manipur government and NEEPCO have not consulted the Hmar tribe".
"If Manipur government and NEEPCO continue their work without paying head to the voice of the Hmar people, a time is not far away when blood will start to flow at Tipaimukh," the statement quoted Mr Lalthlunglien Lungtau, the self-style commander in-charge of Barrak Valley and northern Mizoram.
Saying that the destruction of the drilling machines belonging to NEEPCO was "only the beginning" of their warning the outfit said, "For our land and tribe's interest we are prepared to sacrifice our blood...
We wish to convey this to those concerned that we will not hesitate to take further action".
Not satisfied with its warning to the implementing agency and Manipur government HPC(D) also warned that even individuals like contractors, manual labourers, etc "will face prompt action unless they appraise the HPC(D) before hand".
* The news writer can be contacted at lalmalsawm(at)gmail(Dot)com .