BJP blames Govt for fishermen's plight
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 20 2011: BJP has accused the SPF Government of pushing the fishing families of Loktak Lake into a sea of misery by evicting them from their dwelling houses.

On the other hand, Thanga AC MLA who is a member of the ruling party has shown little concern for the suffering people of his constituency, stated former Minister and BJP vice-president Salam Ibohal.

He said that out of around 1100 dwelling houses built over phumdis in Loktak Lake, 300 houses have been burnt down by the Government rendering hundreds of people homeless.

It is not allowed to start any fire in Loktak Lake by the customs of the land.

For burning down dwelling houses of poor fishing families, God would certainly punish Chief Minister Okram Ibobi who is also Chairman of the Loktak Development Authority (LDA), Ibohal asserted.

Pointing out that the All Thanga People's Welfare Organisation and other fishing families who are dependent on Loktak Lake for their livelihood have been demanding amendment of the Loktak Protection Act, Ibohal said that he and BJP condemned the Government's ruthless act of burning down houses by serving eviction notice just one day ahead rather than amending the Loktak Protection Act.

Clauses III and IV of Section 20 and Section 31 of the Loktak Protection Act 2006 prohibits use of nets and traps for fishing as well as construction of huts on phumdis.

It also says that fishers should first seek permission/licence before fishing in Loktak.

All these clauses posed serious threat to the livelihood of the fishing families.

That was why, the fishermen were demanding amendment of the Loktak Protection Act, Ibohal stated.

The Government has been paying little attention to the people's demand to allow them fishing and live on phumdis or build fishing sheds.

As the Loktak Protection Act has been enacted, there is a need to enact another Act for protection and welfare of the fishing families, he asserted.

Even as the fishing families have been enduring extreme misery, the MLA of Thanga AC has been maintaining a deafening silence.

It appears that the MLA has abandoned the suffering people to their own fates.

Demanding immediate cessation of burning down dwelling houses and fishing equipment, the former Minister urged the Government to ensure alternative livelihood for the displaced families and also to increase the compensation amount from Rs 40,000 to Rs one lakh per family.

He also demanded economic package for the fishing families as well as amendment of the Loktak Protection Act.

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