Dam activist or armed group activist?
PR from CCDD (Citizens Concern For Dams And Development)

Imphal, 1 December:

CCDD is pleased to reiterate that the struggle against Tipaimukh Dam is critically linked with the struggle to defend our land, forest and water against imposed and un-sustainable form of 'development' wherein companies and external beneficiaries are privileged over local priorities and development. CCDD's more than 10 years of active resistance against Tipaimukh Dam is also organically intertwined with the hopes and aspirations of the many communities residing in the length and breadth of river Barak.

CCDD would like to expresses its strong reservation against the statements made by the Chief Minister (CM) and Director General of Police (DGP) of the Manipur state to the Independent Citizens' Fact-Finding Report to the Nation. As per the report of this Citizen's Fact-Finding which was published on November 2009 in the capital of India, it is mentioned that (p23) The DGP in particular, when asked point blank if the state sees all those who are opposing the Tipaimukh dam today as insurgents, the DGP's simply said ''yes''.

The DGP also reportedly explained, in his full wisdom, "that the (Tipaimukh) dam could not provoke public opposition since there was nothing to oppose – waterways, irrigation, electricity and security forces. It was thus taken for granted that the Tipaimukh dam (proposed height 160 mts) gives no reason for people to protest, and the protest was instead linked with the fact that the area where the dam is to be built was allegedly a UNLF stronghold".

CCDD would urge the DGP to come out from his security mindset where every societal events have to be purely explained from the perspective of controlling and fighting the armed resistance groups. Development debates should be encouraged and not be cornered as representative/spokesperson of some armed resistance groups. CCDD formed by more than 30 organizations in Manipur will definitely encourage the government officials, politicians and the police to engage in development issues and would support by way of providing relevant information and data.

CCDD will consider this space for engagement with all stakeholders as a first step for sustainable and equitable form of development rather than making sweeping statements. If our honorable CM and DGP believes that the area where the dam is to be built was allegedly a UNLF stronghold, building a dam will not address the issue, but instead will devastate our future land and lives, that constitutes the very essence of Manipur for which security are committed.

CCDD has many constituent members including academicians, politicians, community leaders, media personalities etc. Their observations and inputs based on research and continued dialogue with the people have been instrumental in the movement against tipaimukh dam. Our articulation on energy, flood control, environmental impact and downstream impacts are well known particularly with dam proponents, though one might add here that we have not personally shared these with the police!

As for the CM and DGP, they will be best advised by many of the MLAs who in 1995 and 1997 at the floor of the Assembly passed resolutions against tipaimukh dam. Further, it is more than informative to know that, till date, there has been no Assembly resolution that has voted for the dam. Therefore, to clear all doubts, it is suggested that one has to find out who and which interest group then pushed for the dam. Why was the MOU signed and by whom? Will not a police enquiry help clarify the confusion. Is the DGP listening?

Co-Convenor
Aram Pamei