Sit-in protest staged
Source: The Sangai Express
Bishnupur, August 06 2022:
Residents of Kumbi, Ithai Wapokpi, Ithai, Nongmaikhong and Khordak staged a sit-in-protest cum meeting at Kumbi Keithel yesterday in strong opposition against the State Government's 2016 notification for extension of Keibul Lamjao National Park.
Speaking on the sideline of the protest, Khangembam Surdash stated that in 2016 the State Government had issued a notification regarding the extension of Keibul Lamjao National Park without consulting the residents of the surrounding areas.
Recently, Deputy Commissioner Bishnupur, informed the representatives of the surrounding areas that this extension will cover the areas of Kumbi, Ithai Wapokpi, Ithai, Nongmaikhong and Khordak.
Khangembam Surdash further shared that the affected areas include agricultural lands, fish farms and vegetable patches which people depend on for their livelihood.
He added that the representatives had also met with the Green Tribunal, Human Rights Commission, Loktak Development Authority Chairman and Bishnupur DC in this regard and urged the State Government to re-examine the notification.
During the course of the protest, the gathering also reached several resolutions, including to continue preservation of Sangai, to ensure that the park as well as the surrounding lakes continues to flourish and to appeal to the Chief Minister to reverse the decision for extension of Keibul Lamjao National Park.
The crowd also resolved to launch a series of agitation if the State Government proceeds with the decision to extend the National Park to the detriment of the surrounding lakes and the livelihood of the local residents.
Protestors displayed placards bearing slogans such as "Save our lakes (Kumbi, Ithai Wapokpi, Ithai, Nongmaikhong, Khordak), Save Our Livelihood" and "Save Kumbi Pat, Save Ungamlen Pat, Save Khordak Nongmaikhong Pat, Save Lives of Potential Fish Farmers" as they took to the streets to express their discontent.