Annulment of Loktak Protection Act demanded
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 25 2011: In the backdrop of the recent crackdown by the Government on phumdi dwellers whose houses were burnt down by the Loktak Development Authority, a huge public meeting was held today together with representatives of different civil organisations at Thanga.

The meeting organised under the aegis of the All Loktak Lake Area Fishermen Union, Manipur resolved to urge the State Government to repeal the Loktak Protection Act.

Among others, the meeting was participated by representatives of the UPF, CCDD, COHR, HERICOUN and AMUCO.

The other resolutions adopted at the meeting included review of Ithai Barrage and decommissioning of the same barrage, if necessary to protect Loktak, provision of immediate relief materials to fishing families whose houses have been burnt down and direct participation of fishermen while formulating any plan or programme aimed at preserving Loktak lake.

Addressing the meeting, COHR convenor Phulindro asserted that burning down houses of phumdi dwellers in the name of saving and developing Loktak lake was an act of terrorism.

Such act was akin to suppressing the impoverished people while enriching the well off sections.

Meeting on fate of lake dwellers underway

If the Government is sincere enough in its effort to save Loktak Lake, people whose lives are closely associated with the lake should be allowed to participate in any decision making process pertaining to preservation and development of the lake, Phulindro asserted.

Though Loktak Project and Ithai Barrage were constructed for welfare of the people and progress of the State, they have turned out to be principal factors for the ever worsening condition of Loktak Lake, he stated.

UPF general secretary O Bikramjit said that Loktak lake is not only for Thanga or other adjoining villages.

The lake belongs to all the people and the State.

Instead of leaving them to their own fate, all the people of the State should stand up against the misplaced policies and actions taken up by the Government in the name of saving the lake.

Maintaining that the Loktak Protection Act 2006 is anti-people, Bikramjit asserted that the State needs an Act which can comprehend and address the concerns of those people living in and around Loktak Lake.

CCDD general secretary Y Jiten remarked that the Government's notion about pollution of Loktak Lake due to human settlement on phumdis was misplaced.

Eviction of phumdi dwellers cannot guarantee improvement in the health status of the lake.

The main cause polluting Loktak are the rivers which flow through Imphal city and drain into the lake.