32 structures flatten in Kabo Leikai
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, May 20 2013:
As part of the current eviction drive of the State Government to clear space for construction of a five star hotel, as many as 32 structures including houses, godowns and temples/churches in Kabo Leikai near the Naga River were dismantled today using four excavators.
The eviction drive was carried out from 5 am to 2 pm amid tight security.
As the government had given the eviction notice only one day ahead, most of the aggrieved residents could not dismantle their own houses to save at least some of the construction materials and saw them crumbing down in front of their own eyes.
Houses and other structures that were pulled down include that of Phaningmi Tangkhul (75), Amakcham Kumudini (60), Mingshivam (70), Anglung Anal (60), Freeson Luikhao Tangkhul (58), Lungshi Tangkhul (58), Angom Robindro (50), Kishan Nepali (45), Nepali Gorkha Church, Rous Phungsho (40), Kabui godown, Kunjakishore alias John, Khaningbam alias Rungsung Tangkhul (42), Advocate Senmi, Wulson Tangkhul, Achung Kom, Ningam Tangkhul (65), Swat Tangkhul, Margaret (30), Ninghorla Tangkhul (70), Nganingkhui (60), ZV Wungshim (68), Ramyo Thangkhul (70), Ngachanmi Tangkhul (65), Laishang Keishing (72), Ningkhungam Phungsho (40), Siman Phungsho (62), Asho Phungsho (60) Ketiyon Keishing (40), Irong Church and Crilison Tangkhul and Babu Nepali.
Sharply reacting to the Government's move, evicted families who called themselves as 'victims' have strongly protested against the eviction drive during a joint meeting attended by leaders of several Tangkhul NGOs in Tangkhul Baptist Church.
They alleged that Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh is attempting to break up the integrity of the state.
Leaders of several Tangkhul NGOs such as Tangkhul Katamnao Shaklong, Tangkhul Shanao Long and the Naga River Land Village Authority blamed the Government for flatly declining their request to extend a few more days to vacate their houses.
They also expressed anguish over the Government's move against the Gauhati High Court, claiming that all the residents have their own pattas and these residents had been living in Kabo Leikai since 1962 .
Meanwhile, Naga Peoples Front (NPF), Manipur State has termed the eviction drive of the State government at Kabo Leikai along the Naga river as 'demolition' and categorically stated that Congress led government should be held responsible for any untoward incident that may arise out of the situation.
Athuan Abonmai, secretary of the NPF, Manipur State said the action of the Congress led Manipur government on Monday for 'demolishing' 27 houses of the colony was inhuman.
"Giving only a day's time to the Naga river colony to vacate including the three churches in the locality was not justifiable," reasons Athuan Abonmai.
He said demolition of houses for the sake of constructing a 5-star hotel, there are large number of people including the aged people and children who are facing untold miseries, stated the NPF leader.
While strongly condemning the act of the government, Athuan Abonmai said the villagers of the were running from pillar to post pleading the state government to extend the time of vacating but to no avail.
"Where have all those ministers and MLAs gone who had pledged to stand for the rights of their voters during the election time?" asked Athuan Abonmai.
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