'Govt's plan to establish Film Institute at Chingkhu unfitting'
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 19 2014: The Khundrakpam Chingkhu Loukol Kanba Lup (KCLKL) and Chingkhu Village Authority (CVA) have condemned the State Government's decision to establish a film institute in Chingkhu Loukol area.

Speaking to mediapersons at a press meet held at Manipur Press Club today, president KCLKL Nongthombam Iboyaima has urged the State Government to withdraw the plan of setting up a film institute in Chingkhu.

The people of Chingkhu were never informed about it when the site was being considered for the set up by the Government, he said.

Of the 181.45 acre area where Government has planned to set up the institute, 55 acre covers a hand pump, community tank and the only playground for children and youth of Chingkhu.

The playground helps the youth and children in many games including football, cycling and athletics.

Establishment of the institute will take away the playground from the aspiring sports lovers amongst the younger generation of Chingkhu.

It would not be wrong to say that the decision of Government will kill the spirit of the youth who would otherwise bring fame to Manipur through sports.

Most importantly over 125.61 acre of the total site area is covered by paddy field which serves the livelihood of over 80 percent of the total population in Chingkhu.

The Government does not have the right to stamp on the right to livelihood of the farmers.

The Government's decision is an implication to evacuate the place.

The local populace of Chingkhu, village authority, lup along with all the civil organisations of Manipur would take up strong steps if the Government does not consider a different and more favourable site, he asserted.

A copy each of the memorandum appealing to consider a different site for establishment of the Film Institute have been submitted to the Revenue Minister, local MLA and Imphal East Director Art and Culture Department by Village Authority secretary Khoisnam Ibomcha Singh, he added.

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