Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 28 2008:
A public meeting held today at Waiton has resolved against the State Government's plan to establish industrial growth centre at Chingarel agricultural fields.
The meeting also decided to launch various forms of agitation if the Government does not retract its plan by January 5 .
The meeting held at Waiton community hall under the joint aegis of the Waiton Loumi Lup and Waiton Women Welfare Association also adopted several resolutions in addition to strongly denouncing the Government's plan to set up industrial growth centre at Chingarel agricultural fields.
It resolved that no industrial growth centre should be established at Chingarel agricultural fields and that the Government or private individuals should not use the existing agricultural fields for any purpose other than agriculture.
The public meeting noted that Chingarel has about 215 paris of paddy fields.
Acquisition of this land for the proposed industrial growth centre would mean forfeiting the primary means of livelihood for the people of Waiton, Wairi, Sawombung, Tezpur, Phaknung, Khurai Konsam Leikai, Khurai Thongam Leikai, Khurai Laishram Leikai and Khurai Sajor Leikai.
It also noted the necessity of enacting a law in Manipur that prohibits utilisation of agricultural land for other purposes as was done in Kerala by passing the Conservation of Paddy Land and Wetlands Bill.
Observing that agricultural land is the only life-sustaining asset of peasants, it called upon all to make Manipur self-reliant in agricultural produces while asking the Government to retract its plan.
Banners which read as "Industrial Growth Centre at Waiton Mamang Chingarel Agricultural fields is against the wish of People" were also put up at the meeting venue.