Villagers condemn apathy
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 11 2020:
Villagers of Lamkang Khunou and Bongjang village affected by the widening of Asian Highway-1 (Imphal-Moreh) are still to get compensation for the land they have lost, said villagers yesterday condemning the authorities concerned and Government for their apathy towards them.
After inspecting the road widening work in progress on the Asian Highway, Lamkang Khunou village chief Rengthang Lamkang told media persons that the affected villagers have not been given compensation since the last two and half years.
Accusing the Deputy Commissioner Chandel of threatening and lodging FIRs against villagers, Rengthang said the road widening project has affected portions of a crematorium ground.
"Chandel Deputy Commissioner had invited a proposal (details of affected area and damage estimate) from the villagers on May 18, but due to the COVID-19 lockdown, the village was not able to submit the proposal.
Now, portions of the crematorium ground have been affected and damaged," he said alleging that the villagers were not consulted and informed before dismantling the burial site.
"FIRs have been filed against villagers who are demanding compensation.
The DC had summoned villagers one by one and threatened them," he alleged condemning the treatment meted out towards the affected villagers.
J Haokip, a Bongjang villager, said the villagers are not against any developmental work.
"The villagers are simply demanding fair compensation for the land and properties they lost.
The villagers cannot accept the compensation estimate as per the 2013 survey report.
Compensation assessment should be conducted afresh to reflect a fair compensation
amount", he said.