Ukhrul protests Mapithel Dam project
Source: The Sangai Express / Mungchan Zimik

Ukhrul, July 10 2015 : With the water level of Mapithel Dam increasing and gradually submerging homesteads, land, forest etc , a peaceful sit in protest jointly organized by Tangkhul Women League (TSL) and Tangkhul Student Union (TKS) to demand decommissioning of the dam was held at Mini Secretariat premises, Ukhrul today.

The project is likely to displace over 8000 people across 22 villages, and about 1215 hectares of land would be submerged in Ukhrul and Senapati districts.

The protestors strongly protested the decision of the State Government which will lead to displacement of many people of Chadong village and others without prior information and notification.

Strongly opposing the decision to go ahead with the construction of Mapithel dam, the protestor said that they will fight to ensure tribal rights and safeguard the tribal ancestral land.

They added that there will be no let up to defend their rights.

Ukhrul protests Mapithel Dam project

The problem of water contamination has already been highlighted to the Deputy Commissioner of Ukhrul for necessary action.

There has been no impact assesment, which is mandatory and no clearance has been obtained from the authority concerned.

This is dishonouring the rights of the tribal people they said and cited the example of Chadong village getting submerged.

The protesters demanded immediate suspension of Mapithel dam project until and unless the necessary procedures are followed.

The project has been taken up without the consent of the villagers, they said and added nothing should be taken up unless an amicable solution or understanding is reached between the two parties.

The protestors submitted a copy of a memorandum addressed to the Union Tribal Affairs Minister for immediate intervention through the Deputy Commissioner, Ukhrul.

DC Modak Hrisheekesh Arvind assured that he will convey the same to the authority concerned without delay for appropriate action and decision.

The officer added that from his part, a boat will be provided to the affected villages and assured to extend all possible assistance to the affected villagers.

The protesters warned warned that they will intensify their agitation across all the Naga inhabited areas if the authority concerned looks the other way.

Academics, rights activists and women leaders participated in the sit in protest.