Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 30:
Observing that the recent public hearing on the proposed Tipaimukh Hydro Electric (Multi-purpose) project conducted at Churachandpur and Tamenglong district headquarters lacked transparency, Committee Against Tipaimukh Dam has highlighted its resentment to the Prime Minister.
In an open letter addressed to the PM today, the Committee denounced the twin public hearings stating that heavy security arrangements for the purpose in the midst of objections and protests from the public against the dam construction vividly reflects the strong arm tactics of the Govt.The public hearings at Churachandpur and Ta-menglong were not public hearings but frustrated attempts to impose the dam by force, said a Committee release issued to the press.
Opining that presence of heavy security personnel at the hearing venues is a direct and unnecessary provocation to peaceful citizens who had reached to attend the public hearing as required by law, the Committee contended that such provocative measures would lead to undesirable confrontation and conflict between the public and law enforcing agencies where loss of precious lives could not be ruled out.
The proposed Tipaimukh mega dam is anti-people, ecologically destructive and in violation of procedural necessities, claimed the Committee in its representation to Dr Manmohan Singh.
Meanwhile, Citizens Concern for Dams and Development, Zeliangrong Youth Front (AM&N), Village Authority Chairman Council (Tamenglong district & Tousem subdivision), Nungba Area Village Authority Association, National Identity Protection Committee, United People's Front (Manipur), Thoubal District United Women's Development Organisation and the Kabui Mothers' Association have pledged support to the proposed 24 hour general strike which is set to come into coming into effect from tomorrow evening.
These bodies also urged the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan to honour public sentiment and desist from personal involvement on Tipaimukh dam construction.
the BJP Yuva Morcha (Heingang Mandal) has described the State Govt's approval to construction of the multi-purpose dam a great loss for the people of Manipur.
Recounting mass submergence of land in case the project goes ahead, large scale displacement of villagers and cultivable tracts, the BJP reminded all concerned that the party had proposed micro hydel projects in its election manifesto in the previous poll.
The Mandal also pledged unwavering support to any agitation launched by ACTIP in defiance of the dam construction.