Lei Ingkhol residents air grievances to Raj Bhavan

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Sep 5 : Residents of Lei Ingkhol marched towards Raj Bhavan opposing a proposed eviction drive at their locality to expand the Manipur High Court complex.
The demonstrators were intercepted by Imphal West police along the Kanglapat stretch, leading to a brief confrontation.
After negotiations, a three-member delegation  of the Lei Ingkhol Kanba Lup (LIKL), was allowed to enter Raj Bhavan.
However, as the Governor was unavailable, the team submitted a memorandum to Raj Bhavan officials, formally objecting to the proposed land acquisition and eviction plans.
Speaking to the media, LIKL member Soubam Mombi said that Lei Ingkhol at Chingmeirong is inhabited by over 700 residents, comprising 156 households.
She stated that the Manipur Government has been working to acquire their land for over 20 years.
Earlier, a measure was taken to shift them to Lamlongei, and plots were allocated, she said and added the plan, however, was cancelled due to lack of environmental clearance.
Saying that the High Court of Manipur had already taken their land and even the fencing had been completed, she mentioned that a portion of the land, previously used for a crematorium, had also been converted into a cricket ground.
She said that they would not abandon their land under any circumstances.
Further stating that they were given some options for resettlement including Top Dushara, she argued that the place is not habitable.