Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 22 2009:
The JAC Against the Acquisition of Land for Expansion of Tulihal airport at Imphal has decided to step up the ongoing bandh along the Tiddim Road until the State Government withdraws its move of expanding the airport in collusion with the Airport Authority of India.
The JAC has been imposing a road block along the said route since January 19 .
JAC spokesperson Dinesh Sadokpam has also categorically stated that the Government should be solely held responsible for any eventualities in this regard.
Talking to mediapersons at Keishampat here today, Dinesh explained that the JAC has no objection as such to the proposal of developing the airport to suit the changing time but it should have the prior and informed consent of the people.
Forcing the people who mostly depend on agricultural activities for survival to part with their land at a time when the cost of one kg of rice has reached Rs 25 is simply unacceptable, he said.
Coming out strongly against the conduct of the police commandos who have been hunting down the land owners to force them into submission, Dinesh also hinted at a hidden agenda of the Government behind this.
He further said that the road block agitation of the JAC has completed 4 days today and so far the JAC has been trying its best to prevent occurrence of any untoward incident.
However, if the Government continues to ignore and remain indifferent to its proposal, the JAC may not its patience leading to unwanted consequences.
In such an event, the Government should be held responsible.
He also called upon the transporters to extend their support to the cause of the JAC.