Police foil bid to stall Tribal Colony project work
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, May 09 2022: Residents of New Checkon Tribal Colony erupted in protest as the Planning and Development Authority (PDA) attempted to tear down the northern brick wall of the colony in Imphal East District for reconstruction.

At-least two people were reportedly injured in the chaos after police fired tear gas shells to disperse the enraged crowd.

The injured people have been identified as Songbiakthang Hangshing (36) s/o Chinzatun Hangshing and Paishola Raikhan alias Somila Raikhan 65 w/o (L) Thotwon Raikhan.

Songbiakthang was injured after a tear gas shell struck his face, while Paishol sustained injuries on her leg.

Both of them have been admitted to JNIMS hospital.

On Monday, officials of PDA attempted to breakdown the northern wa'l of the colony to construct a new one but were prevented from doing so by the residents, who urged for delaying the work until they are provided with alternative living arrangements.

The police personnel accompanying the officials repeatedly urged the locals not to interfere in the government's work.

However, as the crowd refused to disperse, the police fired tear gas shells to drive them away.

Later, Wangkhei AC MLA Th Arunkumar, SP Imphal East M Pradip, SDC Porompat, PWD and PDA officials, along with officials of Revenue also arrived at the scene.

After brief halt due to the scuffle, the work continued with permission of Imphal East District Magistrate.

Five excavators of Keystone Company were engaged to tear down the fencing wall and additional police personnel deployed to prevent any further interference.

However, the people continued oppose the work, thereby forcing police to fire tear gas shells.

As the situation escalated to the point of injury, Tribal Affairs minister Letpao Haokip arrived and enquired grievances of those residing at the government quarters in Tribal colony.

In this regard, Letpao Haokip stated that the residents will not be evicted without providing them with alternative accommodations.

However, he urged the people to allow reconstruction of the surrounding walls as they are not up to the times.

He further assured to talk with the CM regarding the residents' wishes and as such, appealed to the people to extend their cooperation to the work being undertaken by the government in their interest.

Comment