AHRC concerned over forced eviction at Singda
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, June 10 2013:
Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has expressed concern over forced eviction of indigenous communities of Singda New Bazar in Manipur by Irrigation and Flood Control Department, Government of Manipur for expansion of the Singda Dam area.
In an urgent message asking the UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as well as the UN Special Rapporteur on Adequate Housing for intervention in the case, AHRC pointed the eviction has affected 220 members of around 60 households belonging to Vaiphei, Kharam, Ireng Naga, and Meitei communities of Singda New Bazar, Senapati and Imphal West District, Manipur in India.
An official land acquisition order was issued on 28 May 2013 by the Revenue Department, Government of Manipur.
The residents of the Singda Dam Bazar have expressed their willingness to co-operate with the Government of Manipur on the eviction of houses and farmlands within the boundary of the dam, but are appealing against the land acquisition, which will extend the adverse effect of the proposed plans to develop the area further.