Imphal, September 01: Taking strong exception to the forcible demolition of all shops, houses and other structures located at Tampha Bazar, Canchipur and Leishang Hiden by the Government on August 20, the JAC Against Reconstruction of Leishang Hiden, Kyamgei has called a 24 hour general strike along National Highway-39 with effect from midnight of September 3. A press release issued by the JAC informed that the general strike will not cover education, electricity, water supply, medical, religious services and media.

It further disclosed that one landless individual who had been living at Leishang Hiden, shocked and hurt extremely, died in the night when his house was demolished due to a heart attack.

Informing that the forced acquisition of Leishang Hiden and Tampha Bazar has forfeited the source of livelihood of more than 2000 people, the JAC decried the compensation rates of Rs 6.32 and Rs 9.92 per square feet fixed by the State Government for agricultural land and homestead respectively.

The JAC maintained that the compensation rates are too minimal and are unheard of in the present time.

It also condemned the Government's act of browbeating and victimising more than 2000 residents of Leishang Hiden and Tampha Bazar by demolishing their houses and shops at a very short notice.

These people have been vehemently opposing acquisition of land for storing water at Leishang Hiden but they did not have any objection to eviction for expansion of National Highway 39.While seeking cooperation from all the people towards its general strike, the JAC warned that for any untoward incident during the general strike, those defying the strike should be held responsible.

Comment