Compensation norm irks villagers
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 11 2011:
Mapithel Dam affected villages of Riha, Ramrei, Chadong and Thoyee (Thawai) have raised strong objections against the compensation amount fixed by the State Government for Chadong and Lamlai Khunou villages, contending that it was against the recommendations of the Expert Review Committee.
Speaking to media persons at Manipur Press Club here this afternoon, Chadong village representative Honreikhui Kashung remarked that the Cabinet decision of September 13 was ridiculous.
According to the Cabinet decision, compensation amount for Chadong and Lamlai Khunou was fixed at Rs 58 crores.
Such treatment of the Government has the potential to create distrust and division among villages affected by Thoubal Multipurpose Project.
Moreover, it was against the process initiated by the Expert Review Committee which was set up by the Government to look into matters pertaining to rehabilitation and resettlement of the affected villagers.
It would not be right to take up the rehabilitation and resettlement process before the Expert Review Committee has finalised its report.
It appears that the State Government and IFCD have been planning to freeze the Expert Review Committee's process, Honreikhui Kashung said.
If the Government of Manipur was sincere in the matters of resettlement and rehabilitation, it should have acted according to the report of the review committee.
By fixing the compensation amount of Chadong and Lamlai Khunou in a hurried manner, the Government has exposed its insincerity.
He went on to allege that the Government's vigorous thrust to finish the dam construction work before the elections is aimed at siphoning off huge amounts fund ahead of the elections.
Honreikhui further warned that the Government, by acting against the wishes of the people, have been only inviting mass protest movements.
He also appealed to the authorities concerned to complete the process of the Expert Review Committee at the earliest and take up resettlement and rehabilitation process one year before the dam is commissioned.