Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 10:
Notwithstanding deployment of security forces, work on construction of Maphou Dam Project has been stopped by the Mapithel Dam Thoubal Multipurpose Project Area Committee in pursuance of its various demands.
The demands of the Committee, formed jointly by the people settling in and around the Project area include compensation for land acquired, standing properties, river and agricultural land affected by the Project as well as taking up rehabilitation and development programme of Louphong and Pheiyang villages.
Highlighting these demands, the Committee had also submitted a memorandum to the IFC Minister on November 5.The memorandum was signed jointly by its chairman K Khomdon and secretary Winner Jojo.
Following the ultimatum served by the Committee, labourers engaged in the construction work of the Dam have stopped their work and living in a very awkward situation since November 6.Even if the Committee had not threatened them physically, the diktats given verbally was enough to create uneasiness and fear among the labourers.
The project is being implemented jointly by two agencies from outside namely ANSAL Ltd and Progressive Construction Limited (PSL).
Even if the construction work on the Dam has been stalled for almost a week by now, there has been no sign of any talk between the Govt and the Committee to resolve the deadlock.
Nonetheless, the Home Department has been taking up measures to avoid any incident.
Today morning, a combined team of IRB and BSF led by DIG (Range No.1) went to inspect the site.
SP Imphal East, CO of 4 IRB, SDPO Porompat, OC of Lamlai and three ACs of three BSF companies were part of the inspection team.
At present, one company of 115 BSF is stationed on the western side of the project, another company of BSF on the eastern side as well as at Moirangpurel Phura Makhong besides the post of 19 Assam Rifles on the higher reaches.
Over and above the security arrangement which are already in place, one platoon of 4 IRB is likely to be stationed at the work site every soon.
It is in this regard that the combined security team led by DIG Range-I had gone to inspect the dam site.