Locals lock gate of Keibul Lamjao National Park
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, June 30 2022: Condemning shifting of the proposed ethnic eco-tourism park from Keibul to some other spot after initiating necessary process, angry locals locked the gate of Keibul Lamjao National Park on Thursday.

In connection with the issue, Sangai Protection and Conservation Committee Keibul Lamjao Chingmei and Chandpur convened a public meeting at Keibul Makha Leikai community hall and adopted several resolutions.

Later, the locals rushed and shut the gate Keibul Lamjao National Park while shouting slogans condemning the shifting of the Eco Park.

The resolutions adopted during the meeting included restriction on entry of tourists and visitors in Keibul; not allowing forest staff and forest office in Keibul Lamjao; restriction against Thanga MLA Tongbram Robindro and LDA chairman Asnikumar from entering Keibul Lamjao.

Recalling that their ancestors donated 100 paris of land for protection of Sangai in setting up of the National Park, the public meeting demanded to take away Sangai from the area and return the donated land so that they can live peacefully.

It also questioned the government how long they can protect Sangai without the support of locals.

Speaking in this regard, a member of the committee pointed out that people of Keibul are living with difficulties.

Since the declaration of National Park and wild life sanctuary, people are deprived of their livelihoods.

Withdrawal of the plan of setting up of ethnic eco-tourism park in Keibul Lamjao on the ground of being a sensitive zone and relocating it to another sensitive zone in Moirang Khunou vividly shows that the government is neglecting the people of Keibul, the member condemned.

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