New local organization against Tipaimukh dam
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Daniel Kamei
Tamenglong, January 05 2011:
A new organization was set up to counter the construction of Tipaimukh dam.
The decision was taken following a discussion on the impact of the Tipaimukh dam held at Bamgaijang village jointly organized by the villages of Taijijang, Zeiladjang, Tongtao and Bamgaijang facilitated by Naga peoples' Movement for Human Right, NPMHR (South).
If the dam is to be constructed, villages like Bamgaijang, Taijijang, Zeiladjang, Tongtao, Venchengphai, Duilengphai and some Longpi areas of Tamenglong District would be submerged affecting hundreds of villages.
The meeting demanded withdrawal of the MoU signed by Government of Manipur, National Hydro Electric Power Cooperation, NHPC and Satluj Jal Vidyut Ningam Limited on 28 April 2010 .
It has also sought to provide an alternative means to promote land and forest resources by utilising the Barak valley basin rather than submerging it.
After deliberations the Tipaimuk Dam Affected Villages Organization, TDAVO was finally floated with Guidunang Gonmei of Bamgaijang as Convener along with three Co-conveners�Akim Gonmei of Zeiladjang, Meinganthuiyang Kamei of Taijinang and Ringjuan of Tongtao.
The new organization resolved to fight against the construction of the Tipaimukh dam.
Khiujuanang Gonmei, a villager said, 'Nothing would be left behind for my sons and grand children, we should be firm in our commitment to protest against the construction of the Tipaimukh dam, I am ready to sacrifice my life for the sake of my land' .
Akim Gonmei, Chairman Zeiladjang village authority said that apart from individuals' properties being washed, all renowned lakes in Manipur like Zeilad, Napsemjei, Nroujei and Guiphuamjei would be submerged under water.
The meeting was attended by 70 leaders from the would be submerged villages.
It may be recalled that the construction of the dam has been resisted by tribal and indigenous peoples from Manipur, Mizoram, Assam and Bangladesh.