5 Star fiasco : AMCO backs anti-eviction stand
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 15 2011:
The All Manipur Christian Organisation (AMCO) has flayed the State Government's move to evict the local residents of Naga River Colony to make way for a 5-Star hotel.
Speaking to the media at Manipur Press Club here today, representatives of AMCO categorically stated that acquisition of land of the colony, which comes under Wangkhei Assembly Constituency, would never be allowed.
AMCO president Rev S Prim Vaiphei said that residents of Naga River Colony are not opposed to the developmental projects taken up by the Government.
But such projects should not be at the expense of the people.
The Government must therefore find another alternative site for the proposed 5-Star hotel.
Former Minister RV Mingthing, who was also present during the press conference, asserted that Naga River Colony is a symbol of integrity where people of all communities live together in peaceful harmony.
The eviction move of the Government would hurt the sentiments of these people.
Chairperson of Naga River Colony Mina appealed to the Government to shift the project elsewhere or pay adequate land compensation.
Dr Kim Haokip contended that destruction of the Churches and Temples located within the colony would amount to depriving the religious rights of the people guaranteed by the Constitution of India.
Meanwhile in a statement, AMCO said that the discriminatory and undemocratic step undertaken by the Government of Manipur is destroying the emotional integrity of the State as the inhabitants Meitei, Muslim, tribals and Churches will be evicted.
The first eviction notification came in 2010 via Manipur Gazette No.438(c) Monday, December 27, 2010 No.4/35/LA/2010-Com.(Rev) M/S/ 4(1) of Land Acquisition Act, 1894 and subsequent order on June 4, 2011, under section 6&7 of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 .