NPF seeks Guv's intervention
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 19 2015: Saying that Mapithel Dam has been closed thereby blocking the flow of Thoubal river without prior notice or information to the affected people of the surrounding villages, Naga People's Front (NPF), Manipur State unit has sought immediate attention of the Governor.

A team of NPF officials visited the affected areas on January 14 for ground assessment and it was found that closure of the dam has increased the water level of the dam alarmingly.

If the water level continues to rise without proper regulation, the whole surrounding paddy fields, Chadong and Ramrei Aze/Lamlai Khunou villages would be totally submerged during the ensuing monsoon season, said a memorandum submitted to Governor KK Paul by the NPF Manipur State unit.

Due to the blockade of flow of water from the dam, large sections of people in the downstream have been badly affected for which an alternative means of getting proper water supply to those affected people should be made to mitigate the sufferings of the people.

It would also have severe negative impacts on animals, plants and forests.

Maintaining that no proper agreement/settlement has been made between the affected people and the State Government over the construction of Mapithel Dam, the memorandum pointed out that a case has been pending in the High Court of Manipur and at the National Green Tribunal.

Until and unless the Courts give their final verdict over Mapithel Dam issue, further construction works should be immediately suspended for justice to prevail,, it demanded.

The dam should be opened immediately and all sorts of rehabilitation and resettlement issues should be resolved without any further delay.

Saying that construction of the dam led to deployment of a large number of security forces in the area which has not only created fear psychosis but also curbed democratic, activities of the people, the NPF appealed to the Governor to find out certain mechanisms for immediate withdrawal of the security' forces so as to uphold the democratic principles of free movement and human rights.

It further alleged that a huge amount of money has been misappropriated by the Government in collusion with certain individuals of Chadong and Ramrei Aze/ Lamlai Khunou villages.

Over hundreds of bogus families have been listed and paid.

The NPF further demanded constitution of a high level expert committee for proper enquiry and facilitation of a final settlement between the affected people and the Government.

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