Sit-in protest held
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 14 2017:
Accusing local MLA and DC of Imphal East of showing partiality while conducting eviction drive on both sides of Lamlong to Chairenthong road as part of Imphal-Ukhrul road expansion work, locals today staged a sit-in at Khurai SajorThoidingjam Leikai.
Demonstrators said that although they welcome the step for expansion of Imphal-Ukhrul road, they are not happy that the houses/shops owned by those who have connections are spared from eviction drive.
They said that the Imphal East DC issued notification on Nov 10 that structures along the road would be removed for the expansion of Imphal-Ukhrul road.
On Nov 12 and 13, structures in the specified areas were removed using JCB in the presence of MLA of Khurai L Sushildro (Yaima) and DC of Imphal East.
The protesters further said that those structures owned by those who have connections were spared from the eviction drive.
During the sit-in today, protesters displayed placards reading 'Conduct eviction without bias,' 'Eviction should be conducted as per norm,' etc.
Meanwhile, an order issued by the District Magistrate, Imphal East on Nov 10 said that in connection with the expansion of Imphal Ukhrul road, unauthorised encroachers on Govt Khas land were asked to leave through a notification which was issued in various newspapers on Oct 29 .
However, about 208 encroachers from Lamlong Keithel to Chairenthong defied the order and continued to occupy the Govt khas-land.
As such, another order was issued on Nov 10 saying that eviction will be conducted if the encroachers do not vacate by 8 am of Nov 12 .