Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 01 2010:
MLA of Saikul A/C Doukhomang Khongsai has expressed surprise as well as dis-satisfaction over encroachment on the land of Government office complexes located in Saikul sub-divisional headquarters of Sadar Hills and unauthorised guests staying in IB and Tribal Development hostels.
The MLA inspected the condition of the Government offices located in Saikul sub-divisional headquarters today.
During the inspection, he was accompanied by officials of Forest Department and representatives of KSO, Saikul.
Doukhomang was surprised to see that the Forest Range office complex at Thangkhanphai village in Saikul has been encroached upon by some individuals and around seven houses have been constructed inside the complex.
On how the encroachers have come to settle inside the office complex, officials of the Forest Department explained that though the staff have been attending to their duty regularly, the Department has not been able to do anything to stop the encroachers who have invaded the office complex taking advantage of the deteriorating law and order situation in the hills over the last 20 years.
To ensure smooth functioning of the Forest Range office, the officials pointed out that proper fencing of the office complex, construction of barrack and check gates are essential and in the existing situation the office could do nothing.
In connection with mass felling of young pine trees planted along the hill cliff adjacent to the main road of Gangpijang, Ikouphai and Thangal Surung, the officials said that the Department could not interfere much as the cliff where the pine trees have been planted is a community land.
As occurrence of landslides and difficulty to movement of people along the road is possible after some years, efforts would be made to find out the reason for felling down the trees in consultation with the village leaders as well as to spread awareness on the harmful impact of cutting down trees indiscriminately, the officials assured.
The IB of PWD, the veterinary hospital and the two students' hostels constructed under Tribal Development Department were found to be in pathetic condition.
Many unauthorised guests were found staying in the hostels while students from far flung area for whom the hostels have been set up being deprived.
Interacting with the villagers after the inspection, MLA Doukhomang Khongsai appealed to them for proper use and protection of the Government properties.
He also expressed desire on the part of the village leaders initiate move for removal of encroachers from Government office complexes.
Later on inspecting the condition of Thangtong Government Higher Secondary School, the MLA assured that efforts would be made for sending substitute teachers of the two science teachers and two arts teachers who have been transferred.
Afterward, the MLA inaugurated a newly constructed Yoga Training School at Sadu Koireng village.
Speaking at the inaugural function by Kisan Development Association, Doukhomang called for maintaining peace and harmony among people of various communities.
He also announced that development of roads and bridges in Saikul area at an estimated cost of around Rs 60 crores has been included in the work programme of the Government.