Eviction from Kabo Leikai: JAC reiterates firm stand
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 30 2013:
Striking a firm stand, the JAC Against the Forced Eviction of Naga River Lane-Kabo Leikai, has outrightly rejected the claims of the Government and has asserted that not a single tribal victim has received nor accepted any compensation paid by the Government and added that they will not do so.
Accusing the Government of misleading the public, the JAC in a statement today said that instead of resorting to such tactics, the Government should consider their demands.
"The Government might use any propaganda, but our standpoint is clear and there is no point of turning back any circumstances", said the JAC.
"We demand the reconstruction of all the houses uprooted forcefully, we will never give up our fight against the action of the State Government in driving out the tribals from the valley even at the cost of our lives," said the JAC categorically.
Stating that the Naga River Colony has been home to people of different religion, caste and creed since time immemorial, the JAC said that despite the people obtaining pattas, the State Government pulled down all the houses on May 20, after cancelling the genuine pattas.
Alleging that the District Magistrate issued a back dated order on May 9, 2013, the JAC said the same order was served on the settlers in the morning of May 18, 2013 to vacate the place by May 19, 2013 .
However some villagers were evicted without the eviction order even being served on them, alleged the JAC.
Due to the eviction drive, about 104 students could not attend their schools, which tantamount to violating the Right to Education Act, 2009, it further alleged.