Cracks in Manipur Dam fight

Dimapur, July 22 : A village in Ukhrul district of Manipur, Chadong village, today expressed support to the Mapithel Dam Affected Villages Organisation (MDAVO) to deal with the dam related issues but not a recently formed ‘Mapithel/Thoubal Dam Multipurpose Project Displaced Villages Committee’.
The Chadong Village Authority issued a statement today condemning “the unscrupulous and vested interest move of few individuals” in forming a ‘Mapithel/Thoubal Dam Multipurpose Project Displaced Villages Committee’ on July 15 in Imphal.
“The Chadong Village Authority has no knowledge of the setting up of such committee as per the village council records and categorically rejected the committee which has no mandate and legitimacy to deal with the Mapithel Dam issue,” the statement from the village’s leaders stated.
The village also condemns the undemocratic move of the Government of Manipur in clandestinely working to divide and suppress the Mapithel Dam affected people’s voice and instigating hatred rather then addressing the issues raised by the affected people. The reported formation of ‘Mapithel/Thoubal Dam Multipurpose Project Displaced Villages Committee’ is “pusillanimous” (timid or cowardly) example.
“The Chadong Village Authority reiterates its endorsement to Mapithel Dam Affected Villages Organisation to deal with the Dam related issues. The issue has to bring amicable settlement after taking the views and suggestions of the Expert Review Committee and the village authority will not tolerate another mis-adventurous move of Mapithel/Thoubal Dam Multipurpose Project Displaced Villages Committee in collusion with Irrigation Flood Control Department, Government of Manipur.”
Chadong village urges all the villagers “who are mislead by the vested individuals” to “surrender before the village authority.”
“The village authority will fight till the end in defence of the village and its resources. Any untoward incident happen in this regards will solely held responsible by the Government of Manipur,” the village explained.