IMPHAL, May 28: The Mapithel Dam Affected Villages Organization has said in a press release that since 13th June 2011 when the state government bypassed the Expert Review Committee process, many unexpected events have been taking place. It mentioned that a writ petition (no. 327 of 2011) was filed seeking resumption of the expert review process of the rules and regulations of Mapithel Dam and that until the completion of rehabilitation and resettlement, the dam construction be stopped.
The Vice Chairman of the said organization in the release continued that another petition was filled to nullify the Mapithel Dam Multipurpose Displaced Villages Committee (MDMPDVC) which was formed to scuttle the process of the review. The Court on its prima facie observation gave a stay order on 4th May 2012 stating that “The agreement signed by the bogus committee and the state government shall stay until further order” meaning that inter alia, no compensation or rehabilitation package shall be disbursed to the affected people until the final judgment of the original petition, the release pointed out.
Against this stay order, a team led by the DC, Ukhrul and SDO Phugyar, carried out household verification at Lamlai Khunou (Ramrei) and Chadong Village on 28-30th October 2012 and on 31st October – 2nd November 2012 despite several objections. Continuing this violation, funds for rehabilitation were released by the Finance Department through the account of the DC to some affected people through E-Transfer, he said, adding that a contempt of court was filed against the DC, SDO Phungyar, Commissioner IFC and Chief Engineer IFC.
He went on to say that however, in total disregard and disrespect for the courts order, a second verification drive was carried out on 3-4 April 2013 by the same team and despite a strong protest by the villagers, the verification drive was conducted by using heavy security forces under CRPC 144.
He further said that this violation of court’s order continues till date.
He added that the question is not just of violation of court’s order but also about the complete lack of empathy of affected villages and their plight and dividing villages.
He concluded by urging the CM and all those concerned to help establish the rule of law and help resume the ‘abandoned’ Expert Review process of Rehabilitation and Resettlement for the affected people of Mapithel Dam.