Imphal, December 08: In protest against the move being made by the Government of Manipur to take over Leishang Hiden, a Wakat Meepham attended by a large number of people was staged at Tampha Bazar, located just in front of the main gate of Manipur University today.

The protest demonstration held under the aegis of Leishang Hiden Development Committee, Kiyamgei was carried out from 11 am to 3 pm today and was attended by the people of the surrounding area and the shop owners and women vendors of Tampha Bazar.

Talking to mediapersons on the sideline of the protest demonstration, general secretary of Leishang Hiden Development Committee A Nilamani asserted that apart from not having sought the permission of the pattadars of Leishang Hiden area, there seem to be a hidden agenda in the efforts being made by the Government to dredge the 3.40 km long water canal extending from Tampha Bazar to Lilong Bridge for storing water.

The Government had issued a notice on June 6 of this year inviting statement of objection from all concerned in connection with acquisition of Leishang Hiden within July 17.Accordingly, the pattadars have submitted their statements within the set deadline, Nilamani said.

Further on September 22, the pattadars have also submitted a memorandum expressing objection to taking over Leishang Hiden to the Chief Minister and other authorities concerned.

The tasks to be taken up by the Committee for the development of Leishang Hiden had also been highlighted in the said memorandum, he said.

Some of the proposed tasks for development of Leishang Hiden include to keep Kiyamgei Loukon as it is and construct a drainage within route of Leishang Hiden, construction of a stepped-pond inside Leishang Hiden near the memorial of Gambhir Singh, taking up beautification plan of the area and setting up commercial/shopping centre, educational institute, craft training centres, recreational centre, hospital, residential structures at suitable places in accordance to the wishes of the people, he explained.

However, even before getting any response to the statements of objection and memorandum submitted, the Govt has issued yet another notice on November 13 seeking statement of objection from the pattadars, Nilamani complained, adding that this has caused apprehension of a hidden agenda of the Govt on the issue of taking over the land of Leishang Hiden.

The protestors used placards with slogans like 'Set up an urban centre at Leishang Hiden', We oppose to storing water at Leishang Hiden, 'Treatment Plan of Imphal Sewerage Project should not be kept at Kiyamgei', etc during the demonstration.

Comment