JAC calls 42-hour strike from Oct 17
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, October 14 2021:
JAC of NH 2 Expansion Affected Land Owners has announced that it will impose a 42-hour general strike from 6 am of October 17 unless the state government appoints an arbitrator to address the demands of the land owners at the earliest.
In a release, president M Ibomcha Singh informed that a meeting of the JAC was convened on Thursday which discussed the issue of government not paying the rightful compensation to the land owners of Mantri Leikai, Khonghampat, Pheidinga, Tendongyan, Maharabi, Sekmai and Kanglatongbi who have been affected by the NH 2 expansion and resolved to launch various protests to meet their demands.
Decision to call the general strike was taken by the JAC after neither chief minister N Biren, who on August 19 assured to honour their demands, nor assurances by MLA and minister concerned, kept their words, Ibomcha said.
JAC pointed out that the CM had called deputy commissioner of Imphal West in the presence of JAC leaders asking the DC how the compensation of the affected land owners can be increased and the DC told him that it can be done by taking up the matter in the state cabinet meeting.
Consequently, the CM directed the DC Imphal West to submit a cabinet memo in this regard.
But, the DC Imphal West in contrast to his assurance submitted a memo under an Act to the commissioner (Revenue) which ensured that it cannot be taken up in the cabinet, as mentioned in the letter sent by the commissioner (Revenue) to the DC Imphal West in connection with the matter, the release said.
JAC lambasted the government for trying to fool the land owners and dilly-dallying the issue.
Considering this, the JAC has decided to call the general strike, which will exclude essential services including power and water supply, media, religious functions and medical emergency, it added.
JAC further warned that if the government continues to overlook their demands even after the strike they would launch other forms of protests including going to the centre and meeting Union transport minister.