Affected land owners to launch intense agitations against non-payment of land compensation
Source: The Sangai Express

Senapati, May 25 2021: Consequent upon no action taken up to compensate the affected land owners of Khongnem Thana village, Senapati district in spite of repeated queries and pleas, the affected parties along with the village authorities after thorough discussion decided to launch intense form of democratic agitations for non payment of land compensation if no concrete step is taken before June 10.The same was confirmed in a press release issued by the chairman and secretary of Khongnem Thana village.

Briefing media persons, A Peter Krechena, Secretary, Khongnem Thana village stated that a major landslide at Khongnem Thana village along NH-2 took place on October 23, 2020 cutting off the main lifeline of Manipur for 4 days Different officials comprising of Addl Chief Secretary (Works), Govt of Manipur, Engineers of PWD and BIPL, District Administration led by the DC, Senapati held a meeting with the affected land owners, village chairman and others at Khongnem Thana village on October 24, 2020 .

Measurement of land and plots along with standing properties were done after the meeting that led to the agreement to compensate the affected land to be given at the rate of Rs.230 per square feet.

Evaluation of standing properties was also done on the next day, he said.

The state Govt representatives led by DC, Senapati reportedly gave assurance that the compensation will be given within the time frame of 45 days starting from October 24, 2020 however 185 days have passed since the stipulated time frame for 45 days.

Whereas, no communication has come from DC's office or state Govt till filing of this report despite repeated enquiries made by the villagers though the Govt is aware that NH-2 is the lifeline for Manipur, added the statement.

The affected parties along with the village authorities have decided to launch intense form of agitations with no other means to address their grievances.

Any untoward incident from such agitations will be the sole responsibility of the State Govt.It may be mentioned that a temporary tent was made for 5 affected families whose houses were dismantled in the new cutting for restoration of the highway above the landslide area.

With the coming of the monsoon season, the villagers expressed concern that how these families will survive in the rain without any compensation made so far.

In the larger interest of the public, the villagers requested all the civil organisations of the district including the Naga People's Organization (NPO), the Senapati District Students Association (SDSA), Senapati District Women's Association (SDWA), Mao Students Union (MSU) and the Mao Council (MC) to extend their cooperation and support the cause of the affected land owners.

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