Food Park plan runs to stiff opposition : Five women hurt in police crackdown
Source: The Sangai Express

Thoubal, June 08 2019: In continuation of the series of protest against taking up any developmental activities except construction of National Sports University (NSU) at 44-Yaithibi Loukol, locals of the area blocked Imphal-Moreh road at Langthabal Khunou for quite sometime today.

Later, a team of Thoubal and Kakching police personnel arrived at the spot and tried to talk the mob out of the situation.

However, a scuffle broke out between the police and the protesters which subsequently compelled the police to fire tear gas shells to disperse the protesters injuring five women and damaging a house in the process.

On the other hand, four women and five men were arrested by the police.

Five women hurt in police crackdown

As a result of the stir, the District Magistrate Kakching has imposed restrictions under CrPC 144 at Yaithibi Loukol area.

The persons who got hurt during the agitation have been identified as Keisham Ibema, Haobijam Ibecha, Kangujam Sundari, W Jeneta and Senjam Amusana while the tin roof and walls of the house of one Kumar were damaged by tear gas shells.

Notably, the 44-Yaithibi Loukol Land Donors Association, Langthabal Khunou demanded the State Government to give a concrete assurance to avoid taking up any developmental work except construction of NSU.

Speaking to media persons, secretary of the association Manihar stated that the previous Govt, in 2014, promised to build NSU at 44-Yaithibi Loukol and provide Government service to farmers and locals residing in the area.

The ex-CM also assured to build a model village on a 20 acres land for the locals, he added.

Considering the interest of all the young and aspiring sports players in the State, the farmers and locals of the area gave away their lands at cheaper rates to YAS Department at that time, he said adding that now, the university has been constructed at another place.

He maintained that the Govt has plans to construct a mega food park on 100 acres, a logistic park on 150 acres and a jewellers park on another 100 acres which are unacceptable to the locals.

A few days back, demarcation works were taken up under the instruction of Thoubal DC, Manihar said while appealing the authority concerned to halt the ongoing demarcation work until an agreement is reached between the locals and the Govt.