Mapithel Dam body states stand

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, May 13: Mapithel Dam Affected Villages Headmen/Chiefs & Elders Organisation (MDAVHCEO) has announced that it will not change its stand if the State Government fails to implement rehabilitation and resettlement as well as livelihood packages of the villagers who were affected by the construction of the dam.
Speaking to media persons at Manipur Press Club today, MDAVHCEO chairman AS Solomon said that the body, formed by the affected people of 18 villages has been demanding the State Government to sign an MoA  for resettlement and rehabilitation for the affected people, since a long time back.
The issue was brought to the Chief Minister's notice two times, on July 2 and November 19 last year, but till date, there has been no positive step from the Government, he alleged.
Following the recent death of three individuals at the dam on April 28, the MoA was stressed again and an ultimatum was also placed before the State Government on May 8, setting a deadline of May 15. The ultimatum warned that if no positive action is taken by the Government, Imphal-Ukhrul road will be blocked indefinitely, along with the road leading to Mapithel dam as well and all the coastal companies involved in tunnelling works will be covered by the ban, he explained.
Even though an invitation has been received from the State Government for a talk tomorrow, the villagers have resolved not to participate in the meeting. Instead, the people have decided not to budge from their stand until the issue is discussed at the CM level and an MoA is signed, he added. On the other hand, Solomon strongly condemned the alleged negative attitude shown by some villagers of Ramrei to journalists at Mapithel dam during the time of the unfortunate incident and clarified that the said individuals have been properly dealt with so as not to repeat such mistakes in the future.