Loktak dwellers oppose
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 27 2022: Reacting sharply to Loktak Development Authority's (LDA) order to remove homestay and 'athaphum' from Loktak lake, the Loktak Floating Homestay Association and the Apunba Loktak Ngami Sinmi Cooperative Society Ltd have warned of strong agitations if the the order is not retracted before July 30.Speaking to media persons at Manipur Press Club today, Ningthoujam Ranjan, secretary Loktak Floating Homestay Association said that the association takes LDA's July 18 order as an attempt to violate the traditional rights enjoyed by fishermen and people staying in and around the lake and drive them away from their livelihood.

Homestay and 'athaphum' are major sources of income for numerous people of the area and the order, if implemented, will harm the people of Loktak lake more than ever, he added.

He further said that protection and preservation of Loktak lake cannot be achieved without the fishermen of Loktak lake and promised to face any individual or department who try to defile the sanctity of the lake which has been providing a means of livelihood to the locals since time immemorial.

Ningthoujam Ranjan blamed the coming of Loktak project as the main reason behind the ecological breakdown in the lake.

Appealing relevant authority to retract the order by July 30, Ningthoujam Ranjan said the association is prepared to fight for their rights.

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