Opposition against Mapithel Dam grows
Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network

Imphal, February 19 2018: A consultative meeting against the plan of the Government to "force inaugurate" Mapithel Dam/Thoubal Multipurpose Project was organized today at Ramrei village in Ukhrul district.

The meeting was conducted under the banner of "Save our land, save our future".

About 300 men and women participants from the affected villages from Nongdam to Sharkaphung took part in the day's consultative meeting.

The program was organized against the inauguration plan of the State Government during the proposed visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the State on March 15, 2018.During the consultative meeting, Dr Laifungbam Debabrata Roy, president of Civil Societies Coalition for Human Rights talked about human rights violation by development projects with special reference to Mapithel Dam.

Also speaking at the occasion, Daniel Ramsan, senior advocate dwelt on the "pertinent violation" of Article 371 C of the Indian Constitution during land acquisition for Mapithel Dam.

Solomon, chairman of MDAVHEO, M Ngaranmi, Panti Gonmei, president, Zeliangrong Women Union, Assam, Manipur & Nagaland, Sanaton Laishram, president, CRAM, Phulindro Konsam, chairman, Committee on Human Rights Manipur, Aram Pamei of CCDD, Hungyohung, NPMHR (South), David Siro from TNL Jollyson, former speaker of NSF spoke emphatically on the irrationality of commissioning Mapithel Dam and condemned the inauguration plan scheduled on March 15.Today's meeting was jointly organized by Tangkhul Mayar Naga Long (TMNL), Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL), Tangkhul Aze Katamnao Long (TAZL), Zingtun Tangkhul Katamnao Long (ZTKL), KSO Litan and MDAVHCEO under the theme 'save our land, save our future'.

Over 30 civil organization leaders spoke during the consultation meeting and adopted various resolutions after the meeting.

The consultative meeting condemned the proposed inauguration of Mapithel Multipurpose Project on March 15 and demanded the Government to revoke the decision immediately, failing which the "public will initiate stringent course of agitation" .

The meet endorsed the formation of a Joint Action Committee (JAC) against the plan of the "forced inauguration" of Mapithel Multipurpose Project through the initiative of TMNL in coordination with the host organizations.

The meeting also resolved to submit a joint memorandum to the President, the Prime Minister, the Governor and the Chief Minister of Manipur on the plan to "forcibly inaugurate" the multipurpose project and the gross violation of Constitution of India and proper procedure in implementation of the project.

The meeting further endorsed the would-be formed JAC to take up the follow up action of the memorandum and that all the constituent organizations will back the JAC on the issue.

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