MPP hits back at Thanga MLA
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 26 2011: MPP has termed as unfortunate the alleged attempt of Thanga AC MLA Mangibabu to blame others for the faults he committed.

Reacting to the reported claim of MLA Mangibabu that efforts were on to find a solution, the MPP has asked what kind of solution the MLA was talking about when houses of many phumdi dwellers have been already burnt down.

A statement issued by MPP vice-president Haobijam Manisana asserted that burning down houses of the impoverished fishing families who were occupying not even 5 per cent of the total phumdis of Loktak Lake was never heard of in a democratic country.

The decision to remove huts from phumdis of Loktak Lake was adopted in a meeting of the LDA which was attended by Chief Minister O Ibobi, Forest and Environment Minister Debendra, IFC Minister Biren and Thanga Kendra MLA on November 10, 2011 .

The meeting was attended by no other MLAs.

The decision to remove phumdi houses was taken with the full consent of MLA Mangibabu though he could have raised a voice of dissent or objected to the eviction move, said MPP.

Had MLA Mangibabu have any concern for the fishing families, they should have been given at least 10 days time so that they can shift to some other place even if the phumdi houses were to be removed, asserted Manisana.

The attempt of the MLA to blame Bishnupur DRDA Chairman for the failure of Rehabilitation Floating Fishermen of Loktak Lake would never succeed.

The rehabilitation programme was taken up under JYR-III Stream since 1994 while Haobijam Manisana was appointed DRDA Chairman only on April 21, 1998, stated the MPP vice-president.

He further alleged that many Government employees who are not residents of Loktak Lake were included in the list of phumdi dwellers and given Rs 40, 000 each with the motive to secure their votes.

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