Imphal, Aug 30: A public meeting held at Sekmaijin today unanimously resolved to oppose any project including construction of Tipaimukh Dam which might have the potential of causing mass destruction to the existing natural resources in Manipur.

The meeting jointly organised by the voluntary organisations and NGOs of Mayang Imphal, Wabagai and Hiyanglam Assembly Constituencies further resolved against reducing Manipur to a State of refugees and forward the resolutions adopted to the Government of India, Government of Manipur and other related agencies so that Tipaimukh dam project is cancelled.

The meeting was held with ex-Pradhan of Hungul Md Falijuddin, ACTIP co-convenor O Bikramjit, SCD, Imphal representative L Miranjan, Sekmaijin Bazar Board chairman Th Samu Singh, CARD president M Sajou, CIRDO general secretary I Sova, ACTIP co-convenor Kinderson Pamei and IRDA president Md Islamuddin as presidium members.

In his address, ACTIP co-convenor O Bikramjit, while giving a detailed account on the pros and cons of construction Tipaimukh Project, said surrendering vast tract of land and its natural resources just for the sake of 45 megawatts of power which is only 12 percent of the total power to be generated from the project would be nothing but foolishness on the part of Government of Manipur.

So learning from the experience of Loktak project, the people of Manipur should collectively ensure that the Government of Manipur does not fall into the trap of NEEPCO, he exhorted.

Secretary general of CIRDO I Sova also maintained that the people of Manipur should take a cue from the experience of Loktak Project and oppose the move being made by NEEPCO to go ahead with the construction of the Tipaimukh Dam following the memorandum of understanding signed signed with the Govt while there is time.

What have happened to the tall promises of providing irrigation facilities for triple cropping, supplying electricity at the cost of 10 paisa per unit and compensation to the affected villagers of Loktak project once was commissioned, he questioned.

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