EMRS row: KSO strikes back at TSA, sets record straight

Our Correspondent
KANGPOKPI, Apr 15: The Kuki Students' Organization Moltam Block has reacted sharply to the claims made by Thadou Students' Association in regards to the construction of Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) at L Jangnomphai.
In a release, KSO stated that in light of the obnoxious attempts made by some individuals in the name of Thadou Students’ Association to derail the construction of EMRS at L Jangnomphai, the organisation would like to set the record straight that the Thadou Students’ Association first disputed the location of L Jangnomphai as Saitu Gamphazol and later claimed it was not a part of Sadar Hills West Subdivision and finally concocted allegations against individuals, families and clans.
The student body stated that as per the decision of the Minister TA & H on July 17, 2021, the committee constituted with the Deputy Commissioner of Kangpokpi, Somorjit Salam held discussion with ADM/Kangpokpi and SDO Saitu Gamphazol, Dr N Johnson Meetei; SDO/Kangchup Geljang, T Opendro Singh; SDO/ Kangpokpi and SDC (HQ) DC office, T Shyamkumar Singh on July 29, 2021 wherein the Committee examined all the relevant documents regarding administrative organisation and the villages produced by DC office and visited the site on July 31, 2021 to verify the confusion over the proposed site for construction of EMRS at L Jangnomphai, under Kangpokpi district.
In regards to the claim made by TSA that L Jangnomphai village was not a part of Sadar Hills West Subdivision, KSO informed that the gazette notification of December 8, 2016 and corrigendum of even number dated December 14, 2016 mentioned new districts created from Senapati as Senapati and Kangpokpi districts. The Sub-divisions of Kangpokpi district are now Kangpokpi, Champhai, Saitu Ghamphazol, Kangchup Geljang, Saikul, Lhungtin, Island, Bungte Chiru and Tujang Waichong.
"The report clearly states that after the bifurcation, L Jangnomphai falls under Kangchup Geljang TD Block. Previously, Saitu Gamphazol and Kangchup Geljang were part of Sadar Hill West. The report includes the lists of villages in the erstwhile Sadar Hills West Subdivision/Block (Kangpokpi) and erstwhile Sadar Hills East (Saikul) Sub Division / Block.", it added.
"The report mentioned the Sub-Division of T Waichong, Champhai, Saitu Gamphajol were carved out of Sadar Hills West SubDivision and further Bungte and Kangchup Geljang were created out of Saitu Gamphajol. The Sub division of Island and Lhungtin were created out of the Sadar Hills East (Saikul) Sub Division", it added.
The student body pointed out that the report signed by Additional Secretary/TA & H and Deputy Commissioner Kangpokpi concluded that the location of L Jangnomphai now falls under Kangchup Geljang Subdivision while the already established EMRS of Sapormeina now falls under Saitu Gamphazol Sub-Division.
KSO Moltam Block also deplored the demand of Thadou Students’ Association General Headquarters to suspend Letkhogin Haokip, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Manipur after their failed attempt to shift EMRS from L Jangnomphai Village (Veitum Khunnou) to Gopibung Village.
"The truth infuriated the so-called leaders of the Thadou Students’ Association and their frustration called for suspension of Letkhogin Haokip and make serious and unfounded allegations against him, Nehminlen Haokip, Chief of L Jangnomphai and the Lunkhel clan of the Haokip family", it alleged.
“While the Government of Manipur has put meticulous efforts and followed all norms and procedures in allocating EMRS at L Jangnomphai, the Thadou Student’s Association continues with their tirade against the Government officers who carried out their assigned duties. Their dilapidated attempt to belittle and make unfounded allegations against the Government is a direct insult on the Government of Manipur, the IAS fraternity and particularly to the poor tribal populace of Kangchup Geljang Sub-Division", it added.
KSO further appealed to the Government not to succumb to the petty tactics of TSA and expedite the process of construction of EMRS at L Jangnomphai for the benefit of the people of the area.