Lamkang Khunou strikes 'deal'
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 11 2020:
Officials of NHIDCL, GR Infra Project Limited and villagers of Lam-kang Khunou held a meeting on the villagers' demand to release compensation for the areas affected by expansion of Imphal-Moreh highway.
Even as the NHIDCL and GR Infra Project Limited officials assured that 80 per cent of the villagers' demand would be translated into action, the villagers maintained that work agencies may resume highway expansion work in open areas but it should remain suspended in settlement areas.
Lamkang Khunou is located between Thamlapokpi and Sinam villages, and 4.5 Kms of Imphal-Moreh highway runs through the village.
Out of 74 households of the village, 52 have been affected by the highway expansion.
Against Rs 5.6 crore entitled to the affected villagers as land compensation, Rs 1.60 crore was allegedly withdrawn by the former chief of Lamkang Khunou in collusion with a few individuals.
A joint meeting of Lamkang Khunou villagers, officials of NHIDCL, GR Infra Project Limited, Chandel SDO and Tengnoupal SP was held today at Lamkang Khunou.
The officials assured that 80 per cent of the demands of Lamkang Khunou villagers would be translated into action.
Speaking to media persons after the meeting, Lamkang Khunou Village National Highway 39 Expansion/Construction Affected Compensation Committee vice chairman SK Darnong said that the highway work may be resumed in open areas as the officials have assured that 80 per cent of the people's demand would be fulfilled.
However, the same work should remain suspended in settlement areas until the assurance is translated into action, Darnong said.
Until and unless there is an agreement with the Government on re-assessment of the village area, common structures affected by the highway expansion and booking of the individuals who withdrew a portion of the compensation amount fraudulently, the highway work should not be resumed in settlement areas, he said.
If the assurance given today is not translated into action at the earliest, the highway work would be banned again, he added.
Notably, police have already registered an FIR against the individuals who withdrew a portion of the compensation amount fraudulently.