CSL refutes CM's statement on Mapithel Dam compensation
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, August 01 2015 :
Chadong Shanao Long (CSL), Ukhrul District on Saturday strongly refuted the statement purportedly made by Manipur Chief Minister O Ibobi during the last Assembly session on the compensation paid to Mapithel Dam affected villagers.
In a press release, CSL Chairperson Mingthingla Kashung said the State Government has violated the rights of the villagers by indulging in "wrong and unfair means of propaganda" in the media.
It has time and again duped the public by giving false information about compensation beneficiaries, said CSL.
While urging the media to visit the village and investigate the truth, CSL said the villagers are still relying on the court's final verdict.
It is to be noted that under Writ Petition (case) No.211 of 2012 filed against the Government of Manipur, the Court had stayed the order Office Memorandum and Agreement (13th June 2011, No.20/1/2005-IFC (Pt)) till further notice, informed CSL.
CSL also pointed out that the Government seems to have committed contempt of court if one considers the fact that Government itself has gone ahead and displaced people from their ancestral lands and homes, violating the stay order.
The organisation also informed that the government has not paid compensation to numerous households.
Even for those who had accepted compensation backdoor, their rehabilitation and resettlement has not even been put in place, said CSL.
It also accused the government of going ahead with the project without the per-requisite forest clearance and the matter is in the NGT court.
"No dialogue was initiated or conducted on the alternative livelihood means, fishing rights or water rights of the affected villagers", said CSL.
Strongly condemning the alleged back-door negotiations between the Government and "certain illegitimate committee without the knowledge of all the affected villagers", CSL reiterated that the situation in Chadong and the neighbouring villages is a man-made humanitarian crisis which needs urgent attention.
The Mapithel Dam has artificially inundated Chadong village and its properties.
The villagers are taking shelter in makeshift sheds.
Despite their pitiable condition, neither the government nor any officials have come forward with any assistance for the villagers, rued CSL.
However, CSL informed that the villagers had faith in the rule of law and hoped that justice will prevail even as they wait for appropriate rehabilitation and resettlement.