Women bodies decry eviction move
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 14 2013: Several women organisations have decried the State Government's renewed effort to evict people settled at Kabo Leikai along Naga river bank to make space for upgrading Hotel Imphal to the level of a five-star hotel.

Speaking to this reporter at Kabo Leikai this evening, leaders of Rongmei Lu Phuam (RLP) and Tangkhul Shannao Long (TSL) condemned the Government's eviction drive in the strongest term.

They also lodged a complaint with Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam.

Panti Golmei of RLP said that the Government's move to evict people and dismantle the dwelling houses using security forces without giving any prior notice is gross human rights violation.

In addition, there is an stay order issued by the Gauhati High Court which directed both parties to maintain status quo.

The Government's order to vacate the area where the residents have been living for the past 50 years within a couple of days else the houses would be destroyed is an act of sheer arrogance.

In case the Government tries to browbeat its ways, all sorts of agitation would be launched, Panti Golmei said.

Meanwhile, one Biren was instrumental in dismantling six houses belonging to non-tribes.

It is suspected that Biren took contract for dismantling multi-storeyed buildings for his excavator was used in dismantling the houses.

For the six houses, which have been already dismantled compensations have been paid.

"We would not accept any compensation but abide by the Court's order", Panti said.

The issue was put to the backburner before police using PA system asked residents living in 100 metre radius of Hotel Imphal to vacate their houses this afternoon.

In addition, some police personnel used threatening and abusive words.

Asking where they would take up their new residences, Panti said that those people who live in rented rooms of the dismantled houses are taking shelter in nearby areas.

Compelled by all this unnecessary misery, women organisations would undertake all kinds of protest movement until the outdated Land Acquisition Act is abolished.

"We have already informed the Naga Women's Union and we would struggle to save our homesteads at national and international levels, if necessary", Panti Golmei added.

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