TSA opposes EMRS project, petitions PM
Source: Chronicle News Service

Kpi, April 08 2022: Thadou Students' Association (TSA) has apprised the Prime Minister for immediate cancellation of the tender process for construction of Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS) at L Jangnomphai village.

TSA submitted a representation to PM Narendra Modi on April 5 and made clear its strong opposition to construction of EMRS at L Jangnomphai village and demanded relocation of the same anywhere in Sadar Hills west.

In the representation, TSA general secretary Micheal Lamjathang Haokip said that six EMRS were allotted for Senapati district namely Mao-Maram, Paomata, Purul, Sadar Hills East, Sadar Hills West, and Saitu-Gamphazol.

However, following the bifurcation of Senapati district into Kangpokpi and Senapati in December 2016, the previous three sub-divisions in Kangpokpi district have become nine namely Saikul, Lhungtin, Island sub division under Sadar Hills East; Kangpokpi, Tujang Vaichong, Champhai under Sadar Hills West; and Saitu-Gamphazol, Bungte-Chiru, Kangchup-Geljang under Saitu-Gamphazol.

As per 2011 census and geographically, L Jangnomphai village (Veitum Khunou) falls under Saitu-Gamphazol sub division, Senapati (now Kangpokpi) and has been listed as 268805 village/location code.

In the new Kangpokpi district, L Jangnomphai village remains under the same Saitu-Gamphazol sub division while the new EMRS has already been allotted to Gamnom-Saparmeina in respect of Saitu-Gamphazol block.

State government had recommended EMRS at L Jangnomphai (Veitum Khunou) village in 2019-2020 overlooking the already existing and functional EMRS at Saitu-Gamphazol block which was sanctioned in the year 2000-2001.The matter was put up to the then Tribal Affairs & Hills minister Vungjagin Valte and he directed officer concerned to examine and call details from DC and SDO but no response came from any relevant officials.

It was totally wrong, erroneous and contradictory on the part of the state government to recommend two EMRS in respect of Saitu-Gamphazol block neglecting Sadar Hills West sub-district comprising Kangpokpi, Tujang Vaichong, and Champhai sub division, he added.

While apprising the PM for the cancellation of EMRS at L Jangnomphai village, the TSA representation demanded allotment of EMRS in respect of Sadar Hills West sub-district at Gopibung village presently under Champhai sub division.

Comment