IMPHAL, November 12: We will not give an inch of tribal land for construction ‘smart city’ said TSA GHQ President Lamminlun.
In response to a news carried in the IFP dated 22/7/2014 about the acquisition of 3000 acres of land at Haolenphai, Moreh for the construction of a Smart City, TSA GHQ came out to object and resist.
In a press meet held today at Manipur Press Club, Imphal, president Thadou Students’ Association, General Headquarters, TSA GHQ Lamminlun said that in this regard, a memorandum had already been submitted to the Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh on October 21, with several points of demand regarding the issue including public apology to the affected community from the Commerce & Industries Minister, Govindas Konthoujam.
Their demand also said that if the statement made by the Commerce & Industries Minister is true, then he needs to clarify or provide detailed information and documents of the land acquisition process.
It also mentioned that Kuki and other tribal people’s interest, culture, languages, traditions, social set-ups and land rights be respected and protected at all times.
Lastly they demanded the blueprint for the construction of a Smart City in the tribal area be revoke with immediate effect.
The student leader said that if the Government failed to meet their demand on or before November 18, they will launch an agitation and imposition a 48-hours bandh on all National Highways within Manipur.
He continued that if the Government is unable to meet their demand further within the 48 hours bandh then the body will intensify its agitation using democratic means.