Land acquisition in Ningombam decried
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, October 07 2014: In protest against the acquisition of lands in Ningombam, Imphal West by the government for upgradation of Imphal Tulihal Airport to international airport, locals of Ningombam who are affected by the acquisition plan organized a public meeting cum sit-in-protest at Ningombam Community Hall today.

Speaking to media persons, one of the protesters said that around 120 houses were affected by the acquisition plan of which 60 houses have been shifted to Heiribob Hill area allotted by the government.

Alleging that the remaining houses were not given allotment of lands, he lamented that the government is yet to provide compensation to owners of the houses whose agricultural lands have been affected by the lands acquisition plan.

But unexpectedly, the government served notice to each of the families asking to evacuate the area before October 6 .

The land acquisition plan would not have succeeded, had the affected families protested against it.

But now the families are being victimized, the protester pointed out.

Reiterating that Chief Minister O Ibobi himself had given assurance to the affected families during his visit to the area on May 1 last that apart from giving adequate compensation, a suitable government job will be provided to a member of each of the families in accordance with the person's qualification; the protester stated that instead of putting its given assurances into action, the government has asked the families to vacate the area which is unacceptable.

The affected families are ready to shift to the area allotted by the government after getting valid allotment documents.

However, if the government tries to dismantle the houses forcibly by using bulldozer and machineries, members of the affected families would sacrifice their lives as there is no option left to them, the aggrieved protester cautioned.

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