Imphal, May 28: Demanding suspension work of the Mapithel Dam under Thoubal Multipurpose project, women organisations of Ramrei, Riha, Chadong and Thawai villages said that they had convened the first meeting on May 19 this month to deliberate on opposing the construction works unless the government reviews the entire process of the dam including rehabilitation and resettlememnt programme.

In a jointly signed statement, Ramrei Aze Shanao Long, Chadong Shanao Long, Riha Shanao Long and Thawai Shanao long (all women bodies) warned the government and resolved that they will resort to all democratic means of struggle till their demands are met.

According to the women bodies initial investigation and survey of 1976 proposal for construction of Mapithel dam were done without the prior consent, knowledge and consultation of people affected by the the project.

"We take serious note of time schedule announced by Priya Ranjan Das Munshi Das, Union Minister for Water Resources on March 8 earlier this year during his visit at Mapithel Dam site for dam completion by 2008", and added that such statement "is a serious threat to the survival and inherent rights of women over our land and resources".

The unions further stated that the project authority does not heed the call and demands of the affected villagers violating all developmental norms.

While expressing grievances, the bodies pointed out that the government never make the people understand the terms and conditions of the agreement, used military forces to suppress people's voice, failed to implement the compensation as agreed among others.

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