Alternative plots not ready for settlement
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 27 2011: Even as the people of Ningombam have been evicted from their ancestral homesteads in connection with expansion of Tulihal Airport and given alternative plots along the foot of Heibok hills near Langthabal Phura Makhong, these alternative plots have not been developed to the necessary stage demanded for human settlement.

However, the people of Nimgombam have been already notified to leave their ancestral homesteads before March 31 .

Although people of Ningombam Atom and Ningombam village have been allotted alternative plots along Heibok foothill at the rate of point 15 acres of land per household, they have not been given pattas.

Around 100 households have been evicted from Ningombam and Ningombam Atom for the expansion of Imphal airport.

MLA RK Anand of Naoriya Pakhanglakpa constituency today visited the new settlement area at Langthabal Phura Makhong where land development work is going on.

Speaking to reporters after visiting the area, RK Anand remarked that it is a matter of serious concern that basic amenities have not been provided in the new settlement area even though the Government has instructed the people to leave their homesteads by March 31 .

He questioned how the Government is planning to rehabilitate the displaced people in an area where there is no road, potable water or electricity.

Conveying his strong desire for the Chief Minister to visit the new resettlement area and provide the basic amenities before the people are forced to re-settle at the area, Anand said that the sacrifice of their own homesteads by Ningombam people in public interest would be rendered meaningless if they are not provided the basic amenities at their new place of settlement.

Saying that he received several complaints from different people in connection with the expansion of airport, Anand appealed to the Government to provide basic necessities under a proper rehabilitation policy.

Before his visit to Langthabal Phura Makhong, MLA Anand laid foundation stones for a new building of the Freshers' Library Club at Ningombam.

There he gave a speech on the importance of reading boks during the formative period of youthful days.

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