Repeal Loktak Lake (Protection) Act, demands ALLAFUM

IMPHAL | Nov 23

All Loktak Lake Areas Fishermen’s Union has appealed to the state government to repeal the Manipur Loktak Lake (Protection) Act 2006 in the interest of the Loktak Lake Phumshang dwellers and the people of Manipur, said a release. 

 Further, the MLAs from the eight assembly constituencies in and around Loktak Lake are urged to work for the repealing of the said act, it said.  This act has resulted in the loss of several household materials, rations, essential documents, fishing gears, money, etc., of the Phumshang dwellers, it added.

Recalling illegal eviction and arson of Ramsar site’s Phumshang (phumhuts), at Loktak Lake, in November 2011, the release said in the condemnable act, Loktak development authority (LDA) along with its agencies burned down 777 Phumshangs out of the 1147 Phumshangs located inside the Loktak Lake, without the prior and informed consent of the Loktak Phumshang dwellers.

The release further mentioned that section 20, 21 & 33 of Manipur Loktak Lake (Protection) Act 2006 (MLLPA) which empowers LDA to destruct Phumshangs, is in contravention with Guwahati High Court, Imphal Bench’s order on January 25, 2012.

The inhabitants of Loktak Phumshangs live by Gandhian philosophy of non-violence and are awaiting justice till date, it said.