Villagers oppose conversion of Shahirok river banks to farms

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 22

Demanding to issue notification not to build piggery or any kind of farms on the bank of Shahirok river, thousands of villagers who shelter beside the river staged a sit-in protest today at Sanjam Khunou Youth Club, Imphal West.

A public meeting was also held at the club, jointly organised by Senjam Khunou and Senjam Chirang Joint Development Organisation, Phumlou GP, Lairenkabi Kadangband GP, Phayeng GP, Mayanglangjing GP, Khurkhul GP, Loitang Khunou Village Committee, Leimakhong Chingmang, Kanto Youth Club, Moibung Khunou Youth Club and Awang Sekmai Protection Committee.

During the meeting, it was resolved to urge the state government to arrest the culprit who shot one villager of Senjam Chirang on December 16 during the clash with Haraothel villagers. They further resolved to stop any activities to contaminate the water of Shahirok river, which is a lifeline river of around 40,000 villagers.

On the other hand they also demanded to keep 40-Senjam Khunou, Sheet no. 4 under the jurisdiction of Sekmai police station as it is under Imphal West district and also mentioned that setting up of any kinds of schemes or project or private works within the boundary of sheet no. 4 should not be allowed without the permission of the land owners of Senjam Khunou and Senjam Chirang.

It may be mentioned that a villager of Senjam Chirang sustained bullet injury on his left chest and has was admitted to Raj Medicity during the crises of December 16 and six villagers of Haraothel village also sustained injuries. The incident took place when villagers of Senjam Chirang went to a disputed land area between Senjam Chirang and Haraothel to stop construction of farms by villagers of Haraothel.