Downstream people launch stir
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 08 2015 :
Taking strong exception to the Gov-ernment's failure to give any response to their memoranda submitted on July 8 and 25 which sought alternative livelihood arrangement for people living in the down-stream of Mapithel Dam, a protest demonstration was staged today at Tumukhong.
If the same demand is not fulfilled by August 20, the dam construction work would be boycotted and the dam would be opened to let the river flow in its natural course, said JAC for Mapithel Downstream Affected People, Imphal East chairman Y Thoithoi.
Since the dam blocked the river's current from January 10 this year, people living in the downstream have lost all their means of livelihood.
People currently putting up at relief camps in the wake of seepage of mucky water from the dam to the downstream are still afraid to go back to their homes.
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People's demand for resettlement and rehabilitation is quite justified and legitimate but the Government is still refusing to take up any remedial measures, Thoiba said.
JAC's co-convenor Th Rabi urged the Government to re-open schools which now remain closed.
People putting up at relief camps are enduring untold misery such as joblessness, scarcity of essential commodities etc.
Many of them have been infected by water-borne diseases.
Among the people staying at relief camps there are five pregnant women and 15 lactating mothers.
They are at present using medicines provided by the Imphal East CMO but the medicines would run out in the next couple of says, said local ASHA L Asharani.