UCM inspects Mapithel dam affected villages
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 25 2015 :
The water level at Chadong, which flooded the village due to blocking of Thoubal River since the past few days, has increased by ten foot.
The entire village may be submerged by the end of the month.
This was stated by Elangbam Johnson, president of United Committee, Manipur (UCM) during a visit to the village, affected by the construction of Mapithel Dam today by a team of UCM members.
Speaking to media persons during the visit, Johnson said that the manner in which the action of the State Govt constrained the villagers to leave their village is tantamount to violation of fundamental rights as enshrined in the Constitution.
Although the Govt had in 2008 decided to rehabilitate villagers affected by the Mapithel dam, the same is yet to be translated into action, he said.
The deadlock on the issue between the affected villagers and the Govt could not be broken due to violation of the agreement reached between the villagers and the Govt in 1993, the UCM president further said.
Johnson also urged the Chief Minister and IFCD Minister to bring an amicable settlement to the issue at the earliest.
The UCM team also met the headman of Chadong village during the visit today.
At the same time, Wungnaoyo, headman of Chadong village affirmed that the villagers would not leave the place until the matter is resolved based on the recommendation of the expert review committee constituted in 2008 .
Pointing out that there are some expecting mothers at the village, the village headman said that the Govt should be held responsible for any unwanted outcome that may befall the expecting mothers or any other villagers.