RALOWCO detains surveyor
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 03 2016: Demanding fair compensation for the affected landowners of the proposed broad gauge railway line construction, locals along with Railway Affected Land Owner's Welfare Committee (RALOWCO) detained two surveyors today at Konthoujam Mamang Leikai Lampak who came for railway levelling.

Detailing the incident, president of RALOWCO Konthoujam Kumar said, villagers affected by the railway project have been pressing the State Government to give fair compensation to all villagers.

But the State functionaries have failed to comply with the demands and following the tussle between the two sides, RALOWCO has stopped all work in the area.

Unfortunately, a team consisting of two members Sanat Kaity and Somnath Hazra both from Geo Consultant Private Ltd were held by villagers around 12 noon today and the two officials along with their equipment were detained.

Kumar stated that the authorities concerned have failed to take up concrete steps to follow the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act 2013 passed by the State Government and give fair compensation to residents of 13 villages affected by the railway project.

He stated that in some areas of Yurembam, Changangei and Malom, the compensation exceeds more than Rs 25 lakh to Rs 30 lakh per sangam but for other remaining villages the amount ranges from Rs 4 lakh to Rs 5 lakh per sangam.

Residents of Konthoujam (village number-86), Bamdiar (village number-88), Lansonbi (village number-85), Awang Khunou (village number-77), Salam Keikhu (village number-76), Luker (village number-75), Tairenpokpi (village number-70), Kadangbi (village number-69), Haorang Keirel (village number-67) and Kiyam (village number-66) strongly protesting against such uneven distribution of compensation have been urging the State Government to be fair with the distribution, he added.

Further, he demanded that the State Government discuss the issue in the ongoing State Assembly session and bring an amicable solution at the earliest.

"RALOWCO is not against the railway project, but the State Government should be fair with the public," said Kumar .

He added that if the State Government fails to give fair and equal compensation to all affected villagers, prohibition against the construction of railway project in the area will still be enforced.

He warned that further course of agitation will be launched by the people if the State Government fails to comply with the demands of RALOWCO.

Locals affirmed to continue stopping railway works in the area if their demands are not agreed upon.

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