Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 22:
Zeliangrong Students' Union, Manipur (ZSUM) has registered its strong opposition to the construction of Tipaimukh dam by contending that the proposed dam would harm the land and the people for generations come.
'We, the Zeliangrong Students' Union, Manipur and the whole community do not want our land and our future to be annihilated in the name of development,' ZSUM secretary Thuanrei Phaomei said.
He questioned, 'If the Govt of India and the State Government do not take the confidence of our people now how can we trust that the proposed Tipaimukh dam will be for our development? If the voice of protest are not taken heed of before the construction of the dam, how will the authorities listen to our concern and needs after destroying our land, flora and fauna which are our hope for the future?.' He further expressed concern that if the proposed dam is constructed, the customary routes of human movement and business transactions will be completely disrupted, thereby resulting in a drastic and inter-gradational social and economic damage.
'Loss of our hereditary and ancient domains will be irreversible and irrecoverable,' Phaomei observed.
Taking all these factors into consideration, ZSUM has urged the Govt to revoke the MoU signed with NEEPCO.