Scuffle breaks out at Moirang over community hall project
Source: The Sangai Express
Bishnupur, March 07 2020:
A heated scuffle broke out today between two groups while trying to implement the project of constructing a community hall atop Leikoi pukhri (pond), which is located in between Mairembam Leikai and Laiphrakpam Leikai, by filling it.
Following the incident, police intervened before the scuffle could get out of hand.
Reportedly, the incident happened when a group of people came out and stopped Tata dumpers carrying sand from unloading its content in the disputed pond.
Later, a team of police led by SDO/BDO Moirang, Ch Somorendro arrived at the spot and pacified the situation after a mutual understanding was brought between the two sides.
Speaking to media persons, one social worker identified as K Mohonchandra said that initiating such project in the sacred site when numbers of community halls are mushrooming in the area is very unfortunate.
He also conveyed that the pond is a source of water for the villagers and a proposal to fill such "sacred" pond in the interest of a few individuals is quite unfortunate and cannot be accepted at any cost.
He also said that process to protect the pond under Historical Monument Act is underway.
On the other hand, L Rame said that the project was taken up to construct the community hall at half the area of the pond with due approval of Moirang Municipal Council under MLA Local Area Development Fund as there is not a single community hall for Leiphrakpam Leikai.
Moreover, people there faced untold inconvenience at a time of conducting public functions and ceremonies due to limited space.
The project also aims at making the remaining portion of the water body more hygienic and suitable for human consumption, he continued.
Saying that opposing such project that would benefit the local populace by a few people is very unfortunate, he urged all who are against the project to meet the local MLA before taking any decision.