Concern for Mapithel dam continues
Source: Hueiyen News Service / NNN

Imphal, October 16 2014: Many projects are being set up in Manipur in the name of development which in turn are major factors for destruction of the land and living environment, according to secretary of Centre for Research and Advocacy, Manipur (CRAM), Jiten Yumnam while speaking during the commemoration of World Food Day, a community meet on climate change and indigenous peoples rights held at Ramrei village, Ukhrul district today.

The programme was jointly organized by Mapithel Dam Affected Villagers Organization (MDAVO), Centre for Research and Advocacy (CRAM) and United Voluntary Youth Council (UVYC) .

Speaking as the resource person, Jiten said that many villagers and their lands will be affected by the construction of Mapithel Dam and that will in turn cause threat to their lives.

Many projects which are being taken up for developing and beautifying the state have been causing enormous destruction and hurdles to the people living in the state.

In the way of setting up and constructing buildings and mega structures, the fertile lands which should be utilized for agriculture is wasted which drastically will lead to shortage of food and will simultaneously 'distort our culture', Jiten said.

Food being the most important element of living, the land and surrounding areas needed to be protected and conserved so that it can produce surplus food items, he added.

Even under these detrimental circumstances, the government has not stepped back from their plans and is continuing construction works of the Mapithel Dam without the consent of the native villagers which is a clear instance of violation of human rights of the indigenous tribal communities, Jiten stated while urging the people to come together and fight when their lives come under threat.

Another resource person of the occasion, Konthoujam Indrakumar, Assistant Professor, GP Women's College, Imphal also told that the people of North East should have a depth knowledge about the Look East Policy so that all the benefits entitled through it can be attained by the people.

He further said that if the people are not aware of the policy, then the people would never come up at par with the other developed people.

Meanwhile, Joykumar Wahengbam, RTI activist highlighted to the people about how to take the utmost advantage of the policies and schemes provided by the government of India for the welfare of its people.

He also told that in order to acquire the maximum profits through the available schemes; people should seek more knowledge and try to get optimum benefits of their rights.

The programme was also attended by many villagers residing around Mapithel.

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