Khongjom War Memorial Trust (KWMT) has strongly reacted to the probable misappropriation of fund meant for development of various developmental projects including the Khongjom War memorial park. The Trust alleged that the fund sanction by the central government for development of the area has not been properly utilized as almost all the development works of the memorial park is being constructed for namesake only.
Former MLA of Hiyanglam Assembly Constituency, Moirangthem Hemanta, who is also the president of the Khongjom War Memorial Trust today said that Ministry of Tourism, Government of India has sanctioned a sum of Rs. 47 crore 51 lakh and 61 thousand for development of the Historic site to attract more tourists on September 3, 2014.
Speaking to reporters at Manipur Press Club, Moirangthem Hemanta said that out of the total sanction amount Rs. 28 crore 15 lakh and 93 thousand is allocated for development of the Khongjom war Memorial Complex; 9 crore for development of Marjing Polo and 9 crore and 8 lake 71 thousand for the development of Kaina.
Hemanta alleged that the state government has not utilized the fund in a proper manner as according to the rules. He said there were no proper tender conducted for awarding of the developmental works but was allotted to persons of their choice.
He further added that as part of the construction work of the project the state government has evicted around 119.68 acre in the surrounding of Khongjom War Memorial Complex area in which 104.28 acres patta land while 16.44 acres is khaas land.
Hemanta further blamed the government for conducting eviction in a hurried manner without giving the occupiers proper time. He said the eviction order was passed on March 8 and the eviction was carried out after 3 days however it came to halt after a person threaten to commit suicide.
The matter is serious, Hemanta said and appealed the government to take the matter seriously.
