Locals, org stage sit-in
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 02 2018:
People residing around Pumlen Pat, Meira Paibis and members of Pumlen Lake Development Organisation staged a sit in protest at Tokpaching Bazar under Hiyanglam AC today, condemning the declaration of Pumlen Pat as Sangai Conservation reserve by the State Government.
One of the protesters, while speaking to media persons stated that people residing near Pumlen Pat and its surrounding areas are depending on the lake and earning their livelihood by selling fishes and vegetables (like Loklei, Pullei, Thangjing) available in the lake and its nearby areas.
None of the locals have any Government or other similar jobs to provide a source of income for their family, she asserted.
The decision of the State Government to set up Sangai Conservation Reserve on the Pat, has completely neglected as well as failed to consider the impacts to the locals.
As such the Government should revoke its decision considering the welfare of the people, she added.
Condemning the stand of the Govt, Pumlen Lake Development Organisation secretary S Sunil stated that the State Government should rather focus on developing and improving the condition of the Sangai's present home, Keibul Lamjao.
He added that declaration of Pumlen Pat as the second home of Sangai will only deprive the livelihood of more than a thousand people.
Different placards, slogans etc decrying the Govt's declaration were raised during the sit in protest.