No ring road in Thangmeiband sans people's nod: Joykisan
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, June 19 2021:
Thangmeiband MLA Kh Joykisan has stated that the state Public Works Department must seek prior approval of the people of Thangmeiband AC before taking up any works related to the ring road project in Imphal under the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
A meeting of the Joint Action Committee Against the Construction of Ring Road in Thangmeiband Assembly Constituency was held at Panthoibi community hall, Thangmeiband Sinam Leikai on Saturday.
Speaking at the meeting, Joykisan stressed that the state government needs to prioritize saving of lives of the people during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
Recently, some local dailies carried a report stating that an agreement was to be soon inked for construction of ring road around Imphal under ADB.
Questioning what agreement the government has made with the property owners in Thangmeiband AC whose lands would be affected, the MLA recounted that the Works Minister, during discussion on related demand in the last budget session, had assured the House that proper discussion would be held before any action was taken up.
"The construction of the Ring road will affect the land of many people, including families who have been residing in the area for over 100 years.
How is the government planning to take over the land and the houses?" he questioned, while adding that no action affecting the interests of the people of the constituency will be tolerated.
"Any decision taken against the will of the people will never be good, not to mention that it should never be taken in the first place.
As such, a letter will be forwarded to ADB informing it that the project is being forcibly taken up.
Additionally, legal help will be sought on the matter to prevent any further transgression", Joykisan remarked.
Stating that the people will not fail to stand up against anti-people acts of the government, the MLA cautioned that the department would be the sole entity which will be humiliated.
Thus, the government should withdraw its decision, he said while adding that if the government works according to the will of the people, he will extend his full support despite being part of the opposition.
Otherwise, he is prepared to stand up for the rights of the people at all times, the MLA affirmed.
"Instead of trying to irk the people without any valid reason, the government should try to complete projects of various departments which are still pending", Joykisan suggested.