Local MLA challenges developmental work, say Jotin
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 29 2019:
Social worker Jotin Waikhom has alleged that the act of the MLA of Thangmeiband Kendra, Kh Joykisan in banning construction works at Lainingthou Government Junior High School, is a challenge to the bringing development in the Kendra.
Speaking to media persons at his residence in the presence of various local elders today, Jotin Waikhom clarified that the claims made by the MLA that the contractor responsible for the school construction has gone into hiding, is false and preposterous.
He then alleged that the MLA, along with some of his people, demanded the contractor as well some people at the school to come to his (MLA) residence and then directed them to leave the school immediately warning them that they cannot continue the work any further.
This is a huge challenge in the attempt to bring development to the Kendra, he said.
Jotin continued that such tactics and threats in Thangmeiband, similar to the ones done by UG groups in the hills and remote places, is really unfortunate.
He explained that since 2017, the school Headmaster had been writing to the Government for proper construction of the school building and to solve its various problems and added that copies of the letter were even given to the MLA himself.
Numerous appeals were even made to the MLA for fencing the school but as the appeals fell to deaf ears, the local people instead polled their own money and constructed the fencing, Jotin claimed.
He continued that the school is surviving all theses years because of the effort of the locals in checking and monitoring the students and teachers of the school and added that after the school committee, Headmaster and teachers appealed to the Education Minister, he (Minister) assured to do the needful and as such sent a contractor for the construction work.
Stating that the locals want the school to be constructed properly, he asked if the MLA is angered for not getting the contract work or any commission.
All the MLA's claims are drama, he alleged, condemning the MLA's act of halting development for his personal gains.
Jotin then urged the MLA to use the amount of Rs 2 crore, which is given to the MLA Local Area Development Fund annually, if he indeed wants to develop the Kendra.
But where is that amount utilised, he asked further.