IMPHAL, January 20: Enraged villagers of Khullen Khailet village of Sajik Tampak in Chakpikarong sub-division have warned that they will be boycotting the forthcoming assembly elections if the district authorities fail to release pending NREGS wages to the beneficiaries of the village before election day.
During a press conference held at Sajik Tampak this morning, chief of the village T Liankhothang Zou informed that NREGS beneficiaries of his village has undergone a hoard of problems as they have not received their wages for the year 2011-12. He further urged the concerned sub-divisional and district authorities to investigate into the matter.
The problem has arise as their wages since the introduction of the scheme had been siphoned off by the chief of Molphei T Nekhothang Haokip and his younger brother, Netkhojang Haokip,impersonating themselves as head of Khullen Khailet village.
This act of transgression against the Zou villagers by the head of the Thadou speaking village has created an air of tension between the two communities.
He informed that the matter was brought to the notice of the district authorities and the case was decided in favour of Khullen Khailet villagers. Following this development, the SDO of Chakpikarong had given his assurance to release the rightful wages of the Khullen Kailet beneficiaries before Christmas last year. However, the promises remained unfulfilled till today, he lamented.
Describing the denial of wages as an act of betrayal, Zou stated that they have arrived at a decision not to participate in the assembly elections and they will pull away unless the dues are settled before the elections.