Imphal, August 01 2009: Giving 5 days' time to the Department concerned of the State Government to come out with a clarification on the alleged withdrawal of Rs 99 lakhs on the sly, the Waithou Fisheries Phase I, II and III Lease Farmers' Organisation has threatened to stop the ongoing work Waithoupat.

Addressing a press conference in this connection at Manipur Press Club here this afternoon, Organisation president Th Rajen alleged that out of the total fund sanctioned for clearing Phumdis from Waithoupat for the purpose of setting up a water supply scheme, a sum of Rs 99 has been withdrawn on the sly.

Around 68 fish farmers have been paying Rs 3000 annually to the Government as lease amount for operating fish farms at Waithoupat.

However, after setting up of the proposed water supply scheme, these fish farmers would be deprived of their livelihood.

So a memorandum of understanding (MoU) had been signed between the farmers and the Government on February 23, 2006 to the effect entrusting the task of clearing the Phumdis to the farmers.

The total estimated cost of clearing the Phumdis is Rs 1.75 crores.

At the instruction of the Government, a special contractor had also been appointed.

Subsequently the work had been allotted and power of attorney given on whose basis the farmers are preparing to remove the Phumdi.

But it has come to light a sum of Rs 99 lakhs had been withdrawn on the sly by some people in connivance with the officials of the Department.

So if the Department does not come out with a clarification in this regard within five days' time, then the construction work of water supply scheme at the lake would be stopped, Rajen warned.

He also informed that a representation has been submitted to the Chief Secretary with the request of investigating into the matter.

A case has also been lodged with CJM Thoubal in this connection, he added.

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