Koutruk renews land offer for sports university
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 26 2014: After the State Government and the Union Sports Ministry have opted for Yaithibi Loukon, Thoubal district for establishment of a sports university, Koutruk and surrounding villages have once again offered land required for the proposed sports university.

A combined team of MPP office bearers, local leaders and media persons today made a field assessment of the area measuring 800 acres at Haraoching Chingkhong which was offered by Koutruk, Senjam Khunou and Senjam Chirang for the proposed sports university free of cost.

Koutruk, Senjam Khunou and Senjam Chirang Development Organisation general secretary N Aram Singh also offered additional 65 acres from Koutruk Sabal and another 150 acres from Koutruk Khunou if the area of 800 acres already offered to the Government is not enough for the proposed sports university.

A view of the site offered for sports university

He questioned as to why the Chief Minister is unwilling to set up the sports university at Haraoching Chingkhong even after the requisite land was offered free of cost.

The area has accessibility to both power and water.

By widening the road leading to the area by a few metres, the area would be accessible from all directions.

However, the Chief Minister seemed determined to set up the sports university at Yaithibi Loukon even as people of the area have been objecting the Government's plan tooth and nail.

Aram claimed that they were advised by the BJP president to set up the sports university at a place where there are no disputes.

MPP president N Sovakiran said that development of Imphal-Jiribam highway and establishment of the sports university were among the projects listed in the NDA Government's 100 days programme.

No one lobbied for establishment of the sports university in Manipur.

It was won by the spectacular performances of Manipuri players over the years.

The Centre's instruction was to set up the sports university at a place where there are no objections but the State Government has been adamantly trying to set up the university at Yaithibi Loukon in total disregard to the local people's strong protest.

MPP vice-president N Ojit said that the way the Chief Minister has been tackling the issue of sports university exposes his lack of vision.

It looks quite strange that the Government is determined to set up the sports university at Yaithibi Loukon in total disregard to the local people's objections whereas it is unwilling to set up the sports university at Haraoching Chingkhong where the local people offered all the requisite land voluntarily and free of cost.

Development of Thoubal alone cannot be interpreted as development of Manipur.

Development of Manipur should be uniform in all districts irrespective of their topography or geographical features, Ojit added.