IMPHAL, July 5: Most of the land acquisitions carried out by the State government in the name of development are always marred with controversies.
Not only that, people affected by acquisitions have resorted to protest against the government, the chief reason is the lack of transparency and fairness on the part of the State government.
This was stated by Ram Wangkheirakpam while addressing the media today at the office of Indigenous Perspectives, Paona Bazar, Imphal. He said the primary obligation of the government is to take the people into confidence while taking up developmental work, wherein land acquisition is needed.
Ram citing the instances of Loktak Project, Mapithel Dam and Tulihal Airport expansion etc, he said most of the acquisitions were taken out without transparency, and more importantly public consultations were not done properly.
Present in the briefing were representatives of various organisations and activists.
He said a joint memorandum signed by the representatives in this regard has been submitted to the State Governor, Chief Minister, Revenue Minister and Chairman of Hill Area Committee.