TSA demands clarification on land acquisition for Smart City construction
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, November 24 2014:
Strongly reacting to the statement of Industries Minister Govindas Konthoujam who was quoted in local newspapers as saying that the government has acquired 3000 acres of land in Moreh for the proposed smart city, the Thadou Students' Association (TSA) said it is without the knowledge and consent of the tribal community.
In a statement, the TSA demanded the State Government to make an official clarification through the media whether the reported acquisition of land at Haolenphai in Moreh as stated by industries Minister Govindas Konthoujam is true.
The Students body termed the government move as an act of utter disrespect for the tribal people and their culture.
It also contradicts land acquisition laws and relevant reports, the statement added.
TSA which represents the affected tribal community had submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister of Manipur on October 21 last and another memorandum to the prime minister of India on November 19.In the memorandum, the TSA urged the State Government to revoke the land acquisition plan for the proposed smart city as it is against the wishes and interest of the affected tribal community.
'As the State Government failed to respond to our ultimatum served on November 12, we were compelled to launch agitations including 48-hr national highways bandh from midnight of November 18 to midnight of November 20', the statement added.
The students' body also said that if the statement of the minister is true, the government should retract the statement and offer public apology to the affected tribal community.