MSAD against move to adopt PPP model for Santhei Natural Park
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 03 2020:
The Manipur Students' Association Delhi (MSAD) has strongly reacted against the State Government's move to run the Santhei Natural Park at Andro by adopting Public Private Partnership (PPP) model.
MSAD in a statement signed by its secretary general Chon said recently, a community-owned asset, Santhei Natural Park of Andro was dishonourably disturbed by the State Government announcing the tender notice of converting the park into a PPP model without consulting the people of Andro who have been taking all responsibilities for the growth and development of the park since its initial stage.
Resisting the Government's decision, people of Andro had risen in protest and it was in taking cognizance of this that MSAD held a discussion with the park committee members, The Santhei Natural Park Committee, Andro Western Baruni Youth Club and Meira Paibis.
Thereafter a protest was held and an appeal was issued to all organizations and student bodies in Manipur to raise their voice and stand with the people of Andro, it said.
For the second time, MSAD discussed with various representatives of Center for Research and Advocacy, Manipur, Anouba Meerol, Indigenous Perspective, Bangalore Manipur Students' Association, students of Delhi University, Dhanamanjuri University, Imphal College, NG College and various other activists based in Manipur in a general meeting organised by Khungang Yawol, it further said.
"The PPP model at Santhei Natural Park is against the indigenous rights of the people of Andro.
It is a colonial and capitalist step to convert a community owned asset into a PPP model.
As the term goes "Public" and "Private", there are no people involved here".
"Public means the Government, Private means the private individuals who can invest a huge amount of money overtaking the shares and rights of the poor people of Andro" .
"Hence, the PPP model at Santhei Natural Park, Andro is capitalist project.
It is a ploy of making money by converting community assets into private properties in the name of public," MSAD said.
"Stop PPP Model at Santhei Natural Park, Andro! Stop Privatising Community Assets! Save the Rights of Indigenous People! Long Live International Solidarity!," it added.