Committee renews land offer
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 30 2015 : National Sports University Construc-tion Demand Committee, Manipur has said that the most suitable place for esta-blish-ment of the National Sports University would be the 1000 acres of land donated by Koutruk, Senjam Khunou, Senjam Chirang and Haraothel villages.

A public meeting on the matter was held today at Senjam Khunou Ibudhou Koubru Lampak under the aegis of the demand committee where a five-point resolu- tion was adopted unanimously by the gathering.

Former MLA O Joy, during his speech at the meeting said the Centre's proposal for establishment of a sports university in the State should be credited to the exceptional talents and outstanding performances of the State's sports persons.

A sum of Rs 400 crore has been sanctioned by the Government of India for the establishment of a sports university here in the State.

A team, headed by the Secretary Sports, Government of India, during his visit in August 2014 had identified the site for establishment of the university at Yaithibi Loukol, Thoubal but people of the area have been vehemently protesting the Government's decision.

The site marked for the construction covers approximately 400 acres including arable lands.

Expressing disappointment over selection of the particular site, the former MLA has that the matter should be tabled in the Assembly session and a suitable Bill for protection of agricultural land should be drawn for the benefit of the people.

Land owners affected by the proposed construction of Sports University had appealed to the State Government to spare Yaithibi Loukol and look elsewhere for the establishment of the varsity.

Koutruk, Senjam Khunou, Senjam Chirang and Haraothel villages had offered State Government with a 1000 acres land at different site for the construction.

However, the State Government is yet to react to the offer till date.

Questioning the obsession with Yaithibi Loukol, the former MLA O Joy said the proposed site, other than being an agricultural land, covers only 400 acres, which, given the design to make it a International varsity, would fall short in area.

Added to these, the site is a low lying area liable of flood.

The proposed site was submerged 5 feet deep underwater in the recent flash flood, the MLA stated.

The MLA further urged the gathering to submit a memorandum to the Government of India and the State Government detailing the grievances of the people.

The people have the right to move the court in case both the Centre and the State fails to deliberate on the issue, he added.

Social workers Nandalal Angomcha, A Oken and H Dingku and Senjam Khunou pradhan Salam Nabachandra were present at the meeting.

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