MDAVO appeals to resolve problems of dam-affected people

Imphal, May 6 (UNI) The Mapithel Dam Affected Villages Organisation (MDAVO) has expressed concern on the alleged lack of coordination within the state Irrigation and Flood Control Department (IFCD) in handling the Thoubal project (Mapithel Dam) in Manipur.

MDAVO secretary R Leishipem alleged that the agreed minutes of the Expert Review Committee were not followed.

''The MDAVO will continue to fight democratically against the IFCD officials till the legitimate demands are addressed and implemented,'' the organisation stated.

Mr Leishipem said large number of people in Imphal East, Ukhrul and Senapati districts would be affected by the construction of the dam, adding that the people were not satisfied with the rehabilitation scheme provided by the state government.

The United Naga Council (UNC), Naga Women's Union, Manipur(NWUM), All Naga Students Association, Manipur (ANSAM) and Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights(NPMHR) also condemned the Manipur Cabinet's recent memo, regarding the Mapithel Dam(Thoubal Multipurpose Project).

The four organisations, in a joint statement, said instead of trying to resolve the issue through democratic process, the Cabinet memo of April 24 decided to send additional security forces so that the dam could be constructed without any resistance from the people.

''The area is experiencing heavy militarisation, with deployment of paramilitary forces, including Border Security Force (BSF), Assam Rifles (AR) and Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB),'' the organisations stated.

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