Relief materials handed over
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 30 2015: The Human Rights Initiative (HRI) and the JAC for Mapithel Dam Downstream Affected People, Imphal East have provided some relief materials to the people who have been staying at relief camps after deserting their homes out of fear about possible collapse of Mapithel Dam.

HRI administrator Th Manoj said that there one relief camp at Tumukhong Tisikhong, another one at Laikhong village, three at Moirangpurel and one more at Itham.

Noting that surrounding conditions of relief camps are pathetic, Manoj sought immediate attention of the Health Department.

He also suggested holding a special health camp for the displaced people.

Seepage of mucky water from the dam to the downstream was seen today too, said one Tumukhong villager.

Even though 500 to 600 people have been crammed together at the six relief camps enduring all kinds of difficulties, they have no intention to go back to their homes any time soon.

If the relevant authorities can give a concrete assurance about the safety of Mapithel Dam, people's growing fear can be allayed to some extent, said the villager.

Tumukhong-Moirangpurel Gram Panchayat Pradhan N Nimaichand visited the relief camps and donated some relief materials as well as cash.

A memorandum has been already submitted to Chief Minister O Ibobi with an appeal to review the affected livelihood of downstream people within 10 days.

If the State Government fails to respond to the memorandum positively within the stipulated time, democratic forms of agitation would be launched from August 5, said HRI secretary W Joykumar.

On the other hand, a joint meeting of 44 affected villages has been convened on August 10 at Phungreitang community hall about the Government's failure to give prior information about the treatment plant of Mapithel Dam catchment area, conveyed MDAVO vice-chairman Themson Jajo.

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