Evictees hold rally, submit memo to Governor
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, May 27 2013:
The evictees of Naga River Lane, Kabo Leikai carried out a protest rally here today and submitted a memorandum to the Governor Gurbachan Jagat seeking intervention for bringing relief to the displaced families.
Prior to the rally, a public meeting was held at the MBC Recreation Hall which was attended by members of various social organizations including Tribal Youth Council Manipur, United Committee Manipur (UCM) and All Manipur Students' Union (AMSU) .
Addressing the meeting, President of UCM Y Nabachandra said that the recent eviction drive at Kabo Leikai is a clear instance of Manipur government being anti-poor.
The poor and downtrodden people have been suppressed by the government in the name of development.
The leaders have no compassion for the evicted families who are now rendered homeless, he lamented.
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President of Tribal Youth Council Manipur Tolkham Maring contended that Kabo Leikai is a unique locality inhabited by people from all communities.
The recent forced eviction has indeed shown the mentality of Chief Minister Ibobi who does not want people to live in communal harmony.
Ex-Minister Arthur appealed to the State government to make necessary arrangement for the rehabilitation of the evicted families.
Meanwhile, the memorandum submitted to the Governor mentioned that the Naga River Colony of Kabo Leikai Nongpok is one of the oldest villages in the heart of Imphal Municipality Area inhabited by indigenous tribal people along with other communities like Meitei, Meitei Pangal and Gorkhas for the last many decades.
The Director of Settlement and Land Records had issued land pattas to the residents of Kabo Leikai vide Order No.1000/25-A/2006-DSLR dated 27-10-2006, and subsequently they have been paying land premium to the State government, it said.
The State government had forcefully evicted the residents for the construction of 5-Star Hotel without any formal Cabinet resolution and also against the mandatory provisions of Land Acquisition Law, the memorandum mentioned.
It further said that the Secretary General of All India Christian Council Dr John Dayal has also submitted a report to UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi regarding the eviction and threat served to the residents by the Government using its police force.
The residents also lodged their angst in the memorandum for the demolition of places of worship which is totally against the law of the country.
The evictees have sought the Governor's intervention to bring relief to the displaced families.