ACTIP to boycott PM's visit to Manipur

Imphal, Sep 1 (UNI) The Action Committee against Tipaimukh Dam Project (ACTIP) has announced that it will boycott the visit of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to Manipur.

Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh had invited the Prime Minister to visit Manipur and the invitation was accepted by the latter.

The ACTIP in a statement here said the Prime Minister was insensitive to the wishes of the state.

The Tipaimukh Dam, which will be constructed in Manipur by North East Electric Power Corporation (NEEPCO) has been opposed as it will submerge National Highway by 53 per cent and about 33 per cent of the state's land.

The dam will affect parts of Mizoram and will affect Bangladesh as the Barak river flows into the country. Rather than taking up the project the Chief Minister should demand more share of electric power generated from Manipur. The government should concentrate on developing dispensaries, health care centre and education centres it said and demanded improvement of inter-villages roads.

Manipur can never afford to buy electric power at the rate of Rs 3 per unit to be generated from Tipaimukh Dam Project and it will lead Manipur into bankruptcy while trying to serve 'Delhi Masters' ACTUP said.

UNI NS BA SI MIR RAI1346