Taobam bodies warn of economic blockade
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 19 2024: Taobam Village Authority along with Taobam Youth Club, civil society organisations (CSOs) of the area, public leaders, and affected landowners of Noney district, has served ultimatum to the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) to launch economic blockade from August 23, if their demands are not met.

The ultimatum follows alleged indifferent attitude their grievances, especially construction of a 4-lane RCC bridge over the Irang River in Taobam village.

According to the ultimatum, the general manager of NHIDCL's Project Management Unit (PMU) in Noney has consistently ignored essential formalities, including submission of a collateral bill sheet prepared by the deputy commissioner (CALA) of Noney district bn September 15, 2023.The bill sheet pertains to compensation for damages caused during the construction process, particularly in favour of K Dichakpou, who was reportedly left out of the compensation process despite being a legitimate claimant.

The village authorities also highlighted that a meeting resolution adopted on May 28, 2024 regarding payment of land compensation to affected people in Irang River area within seven days, was not honoured.

Furthermore, the resolution included promises for construction of village approach roads and an IVR road in Guangram village, as well as dismantling a damaged iron bridge near a CRPF camp that has been causing disruptions.

These promises remain unfulfilled, causing frustration among the local population, it mentioned.

The ultimatum insisted that a series of demands must be honoured by August 22, to avoid the blockade.

These include immediate payment of compensation amount to K Dichakpou, construction of the village approach road and Guangram IVR road, removal of the fallen iron bridge from Irang River, construction of a new playground to replace the one damaged during construction, and reimbursement for the loss of 60,000 CFT of sand due to blocking of the river.

Failure to meet these demands will result in an economic blockade, effectively halting all construction-related activities in the region, from August 23 onwards, the ultimatum warned.

During the blockade, no vehicles belonging to construction companies or private entities working under NHIDCL will be allowed to cross the newly constructed 4-lane RCC bridge, it said, while adding that any consequences arising from the blockade shall be the responsibility of NHIDCL.

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