Body reaffirms stand against Kangchup oil depot plan
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 16 2024: Social Development Association (SDA), Kangchup has expressed concern over forceful attempt to demarcate land for establishing an oil depot despite objection raised by the people.

In a release, SDA general secretary Angom Dijendro Singh recalled that land demarcation for the proposed oil depot at 59 Kharang Koireng (Kangchup) under Sekmai AC was done in October 2022 without prior notice to the villagers.

Condemning the act, a meeting was held and appealed to the party concerned not to shelve the depot plan as it would affect the local playground, market and village pond.

However, a Manipur Gazette was published notifying lease agreement signed between the state government and the Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited on October 28, 2022 .

As such, the villagers submitted memorandum to the CM's office, Sekmai MLA and Imphal West deputy commissioner appealing against construction of the oil depot.

Consequently, village authority on February 7,2024 received a notice to visit DC Imphal West where the Lamsang SDO/SDC queried reason for the villagers' stand against the oil depot plan.

However, without according importance to their explanation and appeal, the SDO issued an order followed by attempt to demarcate the land on July 9, 2024 which the locals foiled.

Nevertheless, the villagers are still apprehensive about forceful attempt to demarcate the land by the government, he maintained.

Regarding the NOC given by Social Welfare Association, Phayeng president and approval for construction of the oil depot, Dijendro clarified that the association is from another village.

He further appealed to authority concerned not to construct oil depot at Kharang Koireng (Kangchup) .

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