72 hrs State wide bandh from Jul 2
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 27 2018: The JAC Against Forced Construction of Mapithel Dam (AFCMD) and Mapithel Dam Affected Villagers Headmen/Chiefs & Elder's Organization (MDAVHCEO)has decided to impose a 72 hour Statewide bandh from the midnight of July 2 if the Government fails to fulfil the demands included in the ultimatum served by 22 organizations in connection with the construction of Mapithel Dam/Thoubal Multipurpose Project.

The decision was taken during a consultative meeting organized at Tumukhong, Imphal East under the aegis of the two associations today.

Speaking to The Sangai Express, co-convenor of the JAC, AC Raising informed that their main demands in the ultimatum included taking the consent of the Hill Areas Committee and the affected villagers apart from compliance with the National Environment Policy, 2006 and National Forest Policy, 1988 in constructing Mapithel Dam.

He informed that 22 civil organizations (of both the valley and hills), including the JAC Against Forced Construction of Mapithel Dam (AFCMD) and MDAVHCEO had served an ultimatum to the CM on June 2, setting a deadline of 30 days.

Informing that the ultimatum had been served after various consultation meetings of various CSOs and affected villagers were held, Raising stated that the it is unfortunate that the Government has failed to provide any positive response till date.

He added that the JAC along with various CSOs will take up intense forms of agitation in pursuit of their demands.

During the meeting, many contended that the Government has been playing divide and rule policy among the affected villagers in an attempt to settle the matter as per its whims.

Some claimed that their illiterate elders have been won over by hiding the facts and the adverse impacts of the dam and by informing the elders only about the advantages of the dam.

The Government has violated the land rights of the affected villagers and has started construction of the dam forcefully, they alleged.

Speakers at the meeting also called for making a collective effort to deliver justice to the affected villagers.

LM Thanmi, convenor of the JAC, W Basanta, chairman, Tumukhong, AS Solomon, chairman, MDAVHCEO were amongst the numerous attendees at the function.

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