JAC of affected land owners of Pkg-4A, NH-2 stage sit-in at M Ningthoupham
Source: The Sangai Express

Senapati, February 26 2025: The Joint Action Committee of the affected landowners belonging to Pkg-4A, Kohima-Imphal, NH-2 of Mayangkhang area organised sit in protest at M/Ningthoupham on Wednesday.

Speaking to the media persons, RK Philip, member of the JAC stated that the issue concerning land compensation began in early 2021 when the Competent Authority for Land Acquisition declared the land rate, as fixed by the then Deputy Commissioner of Kangpokpi.

However, the rate was set unreasonably low, leading all affected beneficiaries to reject it.

After multiple meetings with the Deputy Commissioner and upon his request, the beneficiaries reluctantly accepted the compensation under protest, following the signing of an MoU, said Philip.

Though more than four years passed, during which several appeals, ultimatums, and agitations have been carried out.

Most recently, on Jan 24, 2025, an ultimatum was submitted to the Kangpokpi DC, setting a deadline of Feb 5, 2025, to initiate a public agitation.

However, upon the Deputy Commissioner's request, the agitation was suspended.

A second ultimatum was submitted on February 18 with a deadline of February 26.Despite repeated follow-ups, the JAC member lamented that there has been no action from the concerned authorities.

Left with no other option, the JAC stated that they have been compelled to proceed with the public agitation, sit-in protest-an action the JAC had hoped to avoid earlier.

The JAC thus urged the authorities to take immediate steps to address their legitimate concerns and fulfill the commitments to prevent further escalation of the issue.

An intimation letter was addressed to the JAC by Kangpokpi DC, assuring to take up arbitration process at the earliest in the later part of the agitation.

Subsequently, a memorandum was also submitted to the Manipur Governor through the Deputy Commissioner, Kangpokpi.

The memorandum stated a detailed report on the land acquisition, Arbitration process and public democratic agitations that followed and the suspension of public agitations and sincere request for intervention.

The JAC further warns that if things are not materialised at the earliest, they may be compelled to follow up with strong democratic agitations in near future.

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