Imphal, January 02: While assuring that the grievances of the affected people would be looked into, IFC Minister N Mangi Singh has appealed to the people to extend their full cooperation for completion of the Thoubal Multipurpose Project which has been under construction since 1980.Speaking at the public meeting convened at the Head Office of the Project at Maphou village today, IFC Minister admitted that he has heard about of the complaints of the local people that the Agreement signed with them at the commencement of the Project has not been fulfilled.

But in the year 2003, SPF Government would try its utmost to redress the grievances of the people, he assured.

Even if the State Government is reeling under financial difficulty, there is no dearth of fund for the Project as it is the Central Government which is funding it.

The Project could be successful if the people extended their cooperation and support, Mangi said.

Local MLA and MoS.

for Fisheries Wungnaoshing Keishing while noting that the he had heard about the Project since his childhood, lamented that the fact it has not been completed so far and availed the people of its benefit.

He also gave his assurance of putting more pressure in his capacity for giving away remaining compensations to the affected people and take up the rehabilitation and other development works.

Nongdam village headman J Ramthang contended that the Project instead of doing any good has caused more harm for the local people.

Chief of Maphou village L Holkhomang asserted that though Maphou is one of the six villages affected by the Project, yet none of its villagers have been so far provided with the compensation nor got their share from the rehabilitation packages announced.

Loukhong village Chief Solomon while decrying that the State Government have not implemented the Agreement signed in 1993/94 said that they have been paid only 70 pc of the compensation.

Chadon village chief Majangthui, like his counterparts also joined in the tirade against the Government for its failure to look into the grievances.

Comment