Fishermen refute charges
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 18 2013 :
Refuting the charge that fishermen of Loktak Lake had used chemical to clear phumdis (floating biomass) on the lake, the All Loktak Lake Area Fishermen's Union, Manipur has urged the Govt of India to institute prompt, independent, impartial and accountable expert panel to ascertain the true facts and figures and recommend necessary steps to protect and preserve the Loktak lake.
Expressing concern over the reported use of chemical by fishing community, the All Loktak Lake Area Fishermen's Union, Manipur said that the LDA is trying to defame and frame the fishing community in a mala fide manner.
A statement issued by the secretary of the union, Oinam Rajen Singh while denying the charge that fishermen had used chemical for clearing phumdis, categorically asked how the fishermen could use chemical to clear phumdis when their phumhut (floating huts) were destroyed by the LDA.
It also reasoned that it is remotely possible that the fishermen of Loktak destroy phumdis which is their very sustenance and survival.
Alleging that the LDA has been using machines to clear phumdis in the lake which degrade the quality of water, destroy the natural habitat of many aquatic and amphibians which become or likely to become extinct, the Union statement urged the Ministry of Environment and Forest, Govt of India not to be befooled by such baseless statement of the LDA which is using environment as a tool to cover up their misdeeds in the Loktak Lake.