Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 17:
The 10th commemorative of International Day of Action Against Dams and for River, Water and Life was also observed at Nungba sub-division headquarters, Tamenglong district on March 14 with special hydroelectric (multipurpose) projects.
The observation jointly organised by Action Committee Against Tipaimukh Project (ACTIP), Zeliangrong Union (Nungba Zone), Nungba Areas Villages Authority Association (NAVAA), Zeliangrong Student's Union (nungba Zone) and Tipaimukh Dam Affected Villages Authority (TDAVCOM) with chairman of NAVAA Poukhiulung Gangmei, chairman of Nungba Village Authority Jangdai and social activist Lumgaipou Kamei as presidium members also took various resolutions to the effect of intensifying the ongoing agitation of opposing the move being made to go ahead with the construction of the controversial Tipaimukh dam project.
Around 300 people from 8 different villages of Nungba area and Jiribam, subdivision, Imphal East including Church leaders, elders, social activists, student leaders, women leaders, etc participated in the commemorative meeting.
The commemoration began with signing of song in praise of the Creator, of the marvellous, wondrous and bountiful of the Earth for Humankind.
Speaking at the occasion, co-convenor of ACTIP Kinderson Pamei briefed on International Day of Action Against Dams and for River, Water and Life saying 10 years ago, the International Day of Action was launched at the first International meeting of People affected by dams in Curitiba, Brazil.
Chosen to coincide with Brazil's Day of Action Against Large Dams, March 14 every year since then is the day of protest affirming the stand against construction of large dams all over the world.
Woman activist Aram Pamei said the implication of the Tipaimukh Dam extend to such a magnitude that the Zelianrong people will no longer be called Zelianrong.
All their sustaining environment will be completely destroyed and surrendered to the outsiders who in meantime will over-populated and take control of the political and economy of the region.
Chairman of Nungba Village Authority Jangdai Gangmei highlighted that the civilisation of the Zeliangrong people has flourished in the Barak river basin which has many historical and heritage sites including that of Haipou Jadonang and Rani Gaidinlui.
Sunibala Wahengbam of ACTIP said the voice of the people is supreme law and the need of the hour is to fight united against imposition of destructive development pattern.