IMPHAL | Dec 28 : A meeting on discussion about the ban on National Railway Project Work imposed within the jurisdiction of Makhuam village was held today at the office chamber of Tamenglong MLA, Samuel Jendai.
In the meeting, the memorandum submitted by village chiefs regarding recovery of illegal payment of land compensation and further to take action against the deputy commissioner of Tamenglong district was discussed. According to a release, the meeting was being held in the absence of chief minister N. Biren as presently he is out of station, but it was organised in accordance with his instructions.
An understanding was reached between the villagers and authorities and resolved to suspend the ban imposed on railway works within Makhaun village jurisdiction with immediate effect. However final resolution will be taken only after conducting a round of talk with chief minister, the release states.
Amidst the tussle between the Northern Railways and Marangjing village in Noney district , another vehicle belonging to the Shusee company was burnt down on yesterday for defying the ban on railway works. The arson of a truck occurred around 5 pm near tunnel no 4 of the ongoing railway works.
Earlier on December 23, a vehicle belonging to the Coastal Company was completely burnt down for defying the ban on railway works by the villagers. The arson occurred near Kharam Village.
The ban on railway works is was imposed by the villagers of Marangching village since 20 December protesting the arbitrary compensation and rehabilitation works of the Railway authorities. The villagers earlier submitted a petition to the Chief Minister on 10 December last urging the Government of Manipur to constitute a committee comprising of a senior officer not below the rank of chief secretary to recover the compensation amount allegedly siphoned off by one Thaunkulung Gangmei and Kh. Lovejoy, who had claimed individual ownership over the major portion of lands, which are actually village land of Makhuam and Marangching, and was acquired for construction of NF Railway Broad Gauge . The villagers also alleged that withdrawal of the compensation amount was aided by deputy commissioner, Armstrong Pamei and mainly based on nullified copy of the court orders and fabricated documents.
The villagers appealed the railway authorities to stop the railway works till the matter is amicably resolved in accordance with the demands of villagers. It was urged that the government authorities should take responsibility to recover the compensation amount which comes to nearly 36 crores.
Source: Imphal Free Press
