Mass sit-ins flay shifting of I/E dist hospital site
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 12 2018: Demanding the Government to roll back its decision of shifting the site of Imphal East District Hospital from Sagolmang to Keirao Mayai Leikai, mass sit-in-protests were staged in different parts of Khundrakpam Assembly Constituency today.

The protests were held under the aegis of the Joint Action Committee formed against the Government's decision and womenfolk of the respective areas.

Speaking to media persons at one of the protest sites at Sagolmang Khewa Company, Tekcham Sunibala, secretary of Sagolmang Khewa Company Chanura Chaokhat Khongthang Lup reminded that Sagolmang Community Health Centre was shifted to other places to set up Imphal East District Hospital at the site.

She claimed that foundation laying stone for construction of the district hospital at the site was laid in 2011 and fencing work was started soon so that the construction could begin soon.

But all of a sudden, the site was shifted to Kyamgei Mayai Leikai in Keirao Assembly Constituency and foundation laying stone for construction of the hospital was laid on March 6 last, she said.

Saying that the sudden move of the Government to shift the site is highly condemnable, she warned of launching different forms of agitation if the Government's decision is not revoked at the earliest.

Sunibala also negated the claim made by Health and Family Welfare Minister L Jayantakumar that a land dispute compelled the Government to change the site of the district hospital.

Demanding resignation of the Health and Family Welfare Minister for making an unfounded clarification on shifting the site, she asked the Government not to play cheap politics in Khundrakpak AC.

She clarified that there is no land dispute pertaining to the earlier site at Sagolmang as claimed by the Minister.

Lousiyam Thoiba, secretary of the JAC said that the Government's move to shift the hospital site from Sagolmang is an insult to the people of the constituency.

He questioned the Government where will the people of Khundrakpam AC and Saikul AC go to seek urgent medical attention if the site of Imphal East District Hospital is shifted to other places.

He then asked the Government to revoke its decision and establish the district hospital at Sagolmang as planned earlier failing which different modes of agitation will be launched.

The sit-in-protests were staged at Leitanpokpi Keithel, Ikou Keithel, Pukhao Naharup Community Hall, Yumnam Khunou Parking, Sambei Community Hall, Khundrakpam Community Hall, Khundrakpam Mayai Leikai, Pangei Keithel, Waiton Keithel and Pukhao Keithel.

The protesters used placards which read such as "Install Imphal East District Hospital at Sagolmang", "There is no dispute at the site fixed earlier", "We condemn the Government's move to change the site suddenly", "Don't play cheap politics in Khundrakpam AC", "Don't overlook the people of Khundrakpam AC", "Health and Family Welfare Minister should resign" .

Comment