'Proposed ring road to affect Senapati villagers'
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 22 2015:
The proposed Imphal ring road is likely to affect around 40 households of Lanthungching located under Senapati district.
Speaking to mediapersons at Lamphel Sana Keithel, former Minister RV Mingthing said, "The proposed ring road which is said to be constructed in Imphal East and Imphal West districts is likely to affect around 40 households of Lanthungching.
Officials concerned had reportedly conducted a survey in the village without the knowledge of the village chairman and the villagers" .
RV Mingthing claimed that the villagers have been residing in the area for more than 40 years by paying taxes to Sadar Hills, Senapati district administration.
He alleged that an appeal to determine an alternative non-residential area for the construction of the proposed Imphal ring road failed to draw the attention of the State Government.
RV Mingthang further said that the State Government should come up with an alternative solution to construct the ring road without affecting the residential areas.
Initiating developmental projects without the support of the people will fail to maintain a cordial relationship between the State Government and its people, he added.
The State Government or officials concerned should interact with the village chairman and the villagers in order to understand their grievances.
The village chairman of Lanthungching has in the past submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister, Chairman of Hills Area Committee, Works Minister, Revenue Minister regarding the matter.
The proposed Imphal ring road will likely affect vast area of agricultural land, hospital and a school, RV Mingthing said.
People of the affected areas have been protesting against the ring road project and ADB has already shown its lack of interest in the particular project on account of public objection, claimed RV Mingthing.