Press Park site opposed
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 22 2018: Condemning the construction of Press Park and a power/ electricity substation under Tranche-I NERPSIP (World Bank project) at Heinoupok Grazing Ground, Langjing Achouba, Imphal West (104-Langjing Achouba under Patsoi Sub-Division), the womenfolk and locals of Heinoupok staged a sit-in-protest at the venue under the aegis of JAC for Preservation and Protection of Agricultural Land and Grazing Ground, Heinoupok, Langjing Achouba, today.

Speaking to media persons, the JAC's conyenor decried the Government's proposal/plan to construct Press Park and a power substation at Grazing Ground, stating the area has been preserved by the villagers of Heinoupok as it is the only field left in the village for farming and grazing.

He pointed out that there are only a few paddy fields, wetlands and grounds in Imphal valley as most of them have been occupied by school buildings, offices and other infrastructure while adding that the shrinking of such open places has posed a serious threat to the Manipuri society, particularly in the valley region.

He appealed to the State Government to scout for other suitable/appropriate locations for the construction of Press Park and the power substation.

Placards with the words "Implement and regard the Manipur Conservation of Paddy Land and Wetland Act, 2014 in toto", "Don't usurp aged-old farming land of Heinoupok, Langjing Achouba through unfair means" and "Save and sustain mother cow" were also displayed at the sit-in-protest.

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