Imphal, August 29: With regard to the decision of the State Government to construct NIT at 91-Meitei Langol Residential areas/patta lands and Lamphelpat wetlands, a State-level consultative meeting was held on August 26 at Kuki Community Hall, Phaipijang, 91-Meitei Langol, informed a joint press release issued by the JAC for Protection of 91 Meitei Langol Patta Land/Residential Area and the JAC for Preservation of Lamphelpat as Wetland.

The consultative meeting moderated by Kim Gangte and M Surendro resolved that civil societies and human rights organisations present in the meeting will support any appropriate action that may be launched by the JACs against construction of NIT at 91-Meitei Langol residential areas/patta lands and Lamphelpat wetlands.

While calling for a State policy to protect the arable lands of the State, the meeting resolved to oppose conversion of arable land into non-arable land.

The consultative meeting also urged for a State Wetlands policy in order to protect and conserve wetlands of Manipur and to halt further construction of any kind on such lands.

It also urged upon the State Government to take free, prior informed consent of the people before introducing any development projects.

The meeting resolved that development projects such as NIT and others should not be confined only in Imphal valley, rather development should spread out in the hill districts and rural areas too for equal development of the State.

Another resolution of the consultative meeting was to call for revocation of the Cabinet decision to construct NIT and others in 91-Meitei Langol residential areas/patta lands and Lamphelpat wetlands.

A memorandum apprising about the resolutions of the meeting was submitted to the Chief Minister.

The memorandum also cautioned that in case of failure by the State Government to pay heed to the repeated appeals of the JACs, the people will be constrained to take up steps which may deem fit.

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