CSOs serve ultimatum to State Govt
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 02 2018: Various civil society organisations, namely Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL), Tangkhul Mayar Ngala Long (TMNL), Tangkhul Shanao Long (TSL), Tangkhul Naga Wungnao Long (TNWL), Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (TKS), All Tribal Students' Union Manipur (ATSUM), All Tribal Chiefs Association Manipur, Indigenous Perspectives (OP), Tribal Youth Council Manipur (TYCM), Tribal Youth Club Organisation Manipur, Legislative Watch Ukhrul, Tangkhul Aze Katamnao Long (TAKL), Zingtun Tangkhul Katamnao Long (ZTKL), Tangkhul Katamnao Long Imphal (TKLI), Kuki Students' Organisation (KSO), Naga People's Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR), Mapithel Dam Affected Villages Headmen/Chiefs Organisation (MDAVHCEO), All Tribal Rights Protection Forum, All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation (AMUCO), Peace Core Team Manipur (PCTM), Centre for Organisation Research and Education (CORE) Manipur, Hao Heritage Foundation (HHF) and Joint Action Committee Against Forced Construction Mapithel Dam (JACAFCMD) have submitted an ultimatum to the Chief Minister demanding the State Government to take up necessary steps to protect the needs of the affected people and to uphold the Constitution of India with regard to the construction of Mapithel Dam (Thoubal Multipurpose Project) within 30 days or face intense agitation.

The memorandum explained that the said CSOs had earlier submitted joint memos to the Chief Minister and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on February 28 this year and to the then Governor Dr Najma Heptulla on March 1 to ensure that the State Government abides by the Constitution while implementing the developmental project.

However no positive actions have been taken till date.

Thereafter, a reminder was submitted to Chief Minister N Biren Singh on March 12 by the Joint Action Committee Against Forced Inauguration of Mapithel Dam (JACAFIMD) to intervene on the said memo and to consider the prevailing conditions of the affected people at the earliest.

Despite numerous attempts by the CSOs and the JAC, the State Government has not taken up any action to ensure the rights of the affected people are protected, it alleged and demanded the State Government to comply with the provisions laid down in the said memo within 30 days or else face intense agitation.

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