Demolition Team tag sits pretty on State Govt; Residents of Kabo Leikai evicted unceremoniously
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 20 2013:
Twenty two houses at Naga River Lane, Kabo Leikai were razed to ground today as part of the Govt's eviction drive of the area.
Meanwhile, pattadars of the evicted land have pledged to fight for justice.
At the same time, the United Committee Manipur (UCM) has also strongly denounced the hasty act of the Govt in evicting the residents of Naga River lane.
Speaking to media persons today at the premises of Tangkhul Baptist Church, Deulahlane, secretary of Naga River Lane Kabo Leikai Meira Paibi, Shanti Lungleng said a total of 28 residences were demolished in the drive.
he said six houses were already pulled down on May 13 while the rest were done today.
Pointing out that the owners of the six houses evicted earlier had claimed their compensation, Shanti Lungleng categorically avowed that the rest would not claim compensation.
Instead they would fight for justice against the Govt's plan of evicting the land, where they have settled there for over 50 years, for the construction of a five-star hotel there.
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She said an eviction order issued by the Imphal East DC was served to the residents of Naga River Lane on May 18 (Saturday) informing them to vacate their houses within May 18.The next day, the last day fixed for vacating being Sunday, the residents could not vacate their household properties.
However, with heavy security deployment, the houses were evicted early today morning.
The residents have also met several Ministers and the Dy Chief Minister seeking their intervention.
While pointing out that there has been a standing order of the High Court that stays the eviction at Naga River Land, Shanti strongly condemned the action of the Government that disregard the order of the Court.
Maintaining that three religious structures were also turfed out while a particular religious structure has been spared, Shanti charged the Govt of being biased in its dealing with religions.
Saying that all the children of the locality could not attend their schools due to the eviction, she also conveyed her anxiety as to where they would live.
Meanwhile, a statement issued by the UCM today while welcoming the plan of the Govt to construct a 5-star hotel in Imphal condemned the Govt's act in evicting the residents before completing the payment of relief and rehabilitation package to the pattadars.
The UCM statement signed by its IPR Secy, Ng Deba Meetei said the short notice of ten days for vacating the houses is beyond love of humanity.