CM visits Khuga dam; JAC takes CM's words, bandh off
Source: The Sangai Express / S Singlianmang Guite

Lamka, November 02 2010: , Nov 2: A day after the IFC Chief Engineer briefed the local media on the preparedness of Khuga dam for inauguration, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh today visited the dam site to take stock of the preparation as well as to negotiate with the striking JAC.

Immediately after arriving at the dam site, the Chief Minister inspected the preparedness of the Department to receive the Congress supremo Sonia Gandhi for inaugurating it, probably in the second week of December.

Ibobi also followed the footsteps of AICC member Faleiro, who earlier visited the dam site, to press the magic button of gate No.3 and witnessed the gate opening up to make way for the water.

Chief Minister inspecting Khuga dam

The Chief Minister scanned the area that would serve as a landing pad for Sonia's fleet of three choppers before proceeding on to the PHE Department supply point, located adjacent to the dam site.

On his return journey to Imphal, the Chief Minister halted for about half-an-hour at the residence of the local Minister T Phungzathang, wherein he held talks with the striking JAC.

Following the talks, a press handout of the JAC said that they have withdrawn the ban imposed earlier on the dam's premises as the Chief Minister has assured that their charter of demands would be tabled in the Cabinet meeting tomorrow.

Consequently, the JAC has also extended its deadline for meeting the demands till November 7 .

The JAC as well made it known their disapproval over a handful of individuals who attempted to take advantage of the situation when the JAC is dealing with the whole issue as a district issue.

The JAC has also convened a meeting on the contentious issue of compensation and pending bills tomorrow at Synod hall here.

The Chief Minister, who spoke little during his visit, told reporters here that Sonia Gandhi who was initially expected to visit the State on November 6 has deferred her visit, on the request of the State Government, for some days due to upcoming Ningol Chakkouba festival which will be celebrated on November 8 .

'She will come after the Ningol Chakkouba,' he said but refused to be specific on the date.