Assn condemns 'dictator' MLA Antas
Source: Chronicle News Service
Thoubal, September 23 2021:
While condemning Lilong AC MLA Y Antas Khan for his alleged dictatorial act of arresting people who urged through the social media platforms for completion of the mini dam being constructed at the convergence of Atouk-hong and Imphal River; Lilong Dam Makha Development Association has demanded unconditional release of the arrested people.
On Thursday, an inspection of the mini-dam was carried out by a team of the Association along with media persons.
Speaking to the media after the inspection, Association assistant secretary Moulana Habibul recalled that former CM Md Alimuddin had constructed a proper wooden dam in the said location for supplying water to the farmlands in Ngangou.
With passage of time, the wooden dam wilted away and the people urged for construction of a new dam in accordance to the changing times.
As per the people's wishes, CM N Biren laid the foundation stone for a mini-dam in December, 2018.However, the contractor involved not only failed to complete the construction in time, but also compromised work quality, causing the nearby farmlands to flood.
Additionally, the dam also caused landslides in the area, resulting in damages to the pipes of water supply scheme and depriving the people of Atoukhong Mamang Leikai of drinking water.
The nearby road, which was initially 15-foot wide was reduced to 2/3 feet due to permanent submergence, thereby causing huge conveniences to the people of the area, he added.
Moulana Habibul continued: "As the sluice gate of the dam developed technical snag, some people decided to share the dissatisfaction of the people in this regard on social media platforms.
However, MLA Antas Khan filed a complaint against the posts, because of which police arrested one Md Soukat Ali and are hounding another person named Md Sirajud-din" .
Stating that the MLA's action is against freedom of speech, the assistant secretary further refuted his (Antas) claims to media that the farmlands of Ngagou could finally grow crops after 50 years due to the existence of the dam, adding that the MLA must have not understood the ground reality while making the statement.
Moulana Habibul then demanded MLA Antas to stop his dictatorial behaviour, while further demanding the unconditional release of the arrested people.
He also cautioned of launching various democratic form of agitations if the authority concerned fails to adhere to their demands.
The assistant secretary also commented on the claims made by some people that the construction of the dam, which has been going on for over 2-3 years, would be completed within one-and-half month, as far-fetched statements.