Posers raised on Chakpi project
Source: The Sangai Express / Ninglun Hanghal

New Delhi, April 06 2013 : Several questions and eyebrows were raised at a meeting of the Anal Naga Taangpi (ANTA) and the Delhi based Anal Upliftment Forum, other Naga organisa-tions, Naga student bodies, individuals at Delhi University over the Chakpi Multipurpose Dam construction in Chakpi-karong, Chandel district.

Delegates of ANTA who camped here in Delhi for a about a week held a series of interface and discussion with student community, intellectuals and representatives of various Delhi Naga tribe organisations.

ANTA leaders also met officials in different departments in the Centre in relation to the constructions of the Chakpi dam.

A strong sense of sentiments were expressed over resources grab, of land, of wiping out inhabitants along the banks of the Chakpi river.

Whether the inhabitants gave their consent, does the Autonomous District council have any say over the matters led to question whether there is any "hidden agenda" .

File photo of Serou Bridge

While communities living in and around the Chakpi River, that flows right in the middle of Chandel district headquarters, Chakpikarong sub-division will be submerged once the construction begins, ANTA and people of the district felt apprehensive on how they could allow development at their expense.

Quoting several failed hydro projects in the State, the Delhi meet raised issue of sustainable development, while noting the fragile eco-system, the rights of the local inhabitants.

Over the issue of flood control and irrigation, one of the main purposes for the constructions of the Multipurpose dam, the representatives in the Delhi meet suggested that tube wells be dug as in other parts of India.

They also asked whether the Govt of Manipur ever thought of building dykes and embankments for flood control.

Maintaining that the ANTA or the people of Chandel at large were not anti�development, the Naga organisations' representatives present here reiterated that development cannot be at the cost of the local populace, the common tribal people, and that they would continue to defend their resources and rights over their lands.