IMPHAL, June 1(Newmai News Network): The Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) said the outfit will oppose strongly to the proposed construction of the Tipaimukh Dam in the conjoined of Barak and Tuivai rivers by the NHPC, SJGN and the government of Manipur.
The ZUF is a militant outfit formed to protect the Zeliangrong community`s interest, according to the outfit.
In a press communique, ZUF chairman Kamson said once the Tipaimukh Dam is constructed 275.50 square kilometres of land in Manipur will be affected. The ZUF also said that around 16 villages will be submerged by the dam. The ZUF also said that over 15,000 indigenous people will be rendered homeless and become “refugeees”. It further stated that all the tourist spots such as the Zeilad lake and Barak water-fall are going to be affected once the dam is constructed. “Fauna and flora too are bound to be affected by the dam,” rues the ZUF, adding with a caution, ” Tipaimukh dam is going to be a damgerous project for the Zeliangrong community.” Giving a reason why the dam is going to be a deadly project, the ZUF predicted there will be frequent occurrence of earthquake one a dam like the proposed Tipaimukh is completed.
The ZUF then said several NGOs in Manipur have been opposing the construction of the dam because of its negative impact. It said organisations such as the Zeliangrong Students Union, Manipur (ZSUM), Naga Women Union Manipur (NWUM), ZORO, Mizo Zirla Pawl, NESO and other influential bodies are opposing the construction of the dam.
Warning to take up drastic step in the event of the authorities going ahead with the construction of the Tipaimukh dam, the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) pledged, ” We are ready to strike if the concerned authorities refuse to understand our sentiment.”
