Koutruk, others offer land for sports varsity
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 10, 2014:
Welcoming the decision of the NDA Government led by Narendra Modi to set up a sports university in Manipur, people of Koutruk, Senjam Khunou and Senjam Chirang have decided to offer whatever acres of land required for the sports university to the Government without any condition.
The villagers have also adopted a unanimous resolution to urge the Government of Manipur to locate the sports university at their place.
A public meeting was held today at Koutruk community hall, Imphal West under the aegis of Koutruk, Senjam Khunou and Senjam Chirang Development Organisation (KSSDO).
Social worker A Oken, KSSDO president Irungbam Ranjan, Khurkhul ZP Member K Landhoni, Mayang langjng ZP Member K Suniti, social worker Heikham Dingo, Phayeng GP Pradhan A Gojendro, Lairenkabi-Kadangband GP Pradhan N Bobby, Koutruk village chief N Toyai Maichou and Phayeng village chief L Jugindro attended the meeting as presidium members.
Speaking to media persons by the sideline of the public meeting, Irungbam Ranjan said that the villagers unanimously decided to offer land for the proposed sports university in the interest of the talented players of Manipur.
An area larger than 200 acres required for the sports university would be donated by Koutruk, Senjam Khunou and Senjam Chirang without any condition or compensation.
The area marked for the proposed sports university is on a hill slope and it does not encroach upon any agricultural land.
With none of the villagers raising any objection, the area which is just 17 Kms away from Imphal is perfect for the sports university.
There would be no shortage of water and the Government does not spend any penny on payment of compensation, Ranjan said.
The area is surrounded by Sahirok river on the North, Kharam Tampak on the South, paddy fields of Koutruk, Senjam Khunou and Senjam Chirang on the East and Chirang gorge on the West.
The area was already inspected by a joint team of State Government officials and officials of the Union Youth Affairs and Sports Minister on August 1. But the inspection was half-hearted as the team arrived at the spot at around 7 pm in evening when it was already dark.
Ranjan also appealed for a second inspection.
KSSDO general secretary Ningthoujam Aram Singh said that the said area is 207.62 acres and it falls under dag no 1 of Imphal West Block-I's village no 47 (Koutruk).
The area belongs to the State and it is being preserved by the three villages.
KSO's objection against locating the sports university at Haraothel has nothing to do with the land offer, he added.
A memorandum seeking location of the sports university at Koutruk was submitted to the Union YAS Minister on August 6.Copies of the same memorandum were also submitted to the Governor and the Chief Minister.