Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 11:
Setting September 20 as the deadline to the State Government for giving a definite assurance on the rehabilitation benefits including payment of land compensation to the affected villagers in the downstream side of the Mapithel Dam (Thoubal) Multipurpose Project, Mapithel Dam Affected Ching-Tam Organisation has warned of closing down all activities related to construction of the Dam in case the Government fails to do.
Announcing this during a press conference at the community hall of Nongdam Tangkhul Village today morning, chairman of Mapithel Dam Affected Ching-Tam Organisation Ramthar Shaiza clarified that even though the villagers and the Organisation do not have any objection as such to the ongoing construction work of the Dam, the failure of the Government to provide rehabilitation benefits including compensation of their land to the affected villagers till date is condemnable.
In connection with the demand of the Organisation, a memorandum had been submitted to the Chief Minister on August 23 last with the request for providing a special package.
But so far no there has been no response from the Government, he lamented.
Instead of giving a positive response to the demand, some of the villagers who participated in the protest rally and the public meeting held on September 6 were threatened.
The Organisation strongly condemned such arm twisting tactics, the chairman said.
Addressing the press conference attended by leaders of various communities, - Ramthar further informed that over 100 houses in Louphong and Phayang villages have already been submerged under water besides causing inconveniences to the movement of the people due to ongoing construction work of the dam being undertaken by the IFC Department as nodal implementing agency with funding from the Union Planning Commission.
Over and above this, the condition in the downstream area like Moirangpurel, Nongdam, Tangkhul village, Nongdam Kuki Village, Thangchingpokpi, Tumukhong, Rishophung and Itham villages is very precarious, he informed.
The Organisation has also taken serious note of expulsion of some local workers from the construction work on alleged ground of taking part in September 6 rally and public meeting.
Local workers who also present during the press conference also highlighted their problems alleging the companies of discrimination.