Chanambam Ibohal, Secretary of the Phumlou and Adjoining Area Welfare Organization, emphasized the proactive role his organization has played in safeguarding the paddy lands. This commitment arises from the non-repayment of the invested amount of Rs 3.5 crores by the Salai company.
Addressing the media at the Manipur Press Club, Ibohal highlighted that members of the organization, who also serve as investors in M/S Salai Agro Product Pvt. Ltd., find themselves in a situation where their invested funds, totaling around 3.5 crores, have not been reimbursed by the company.
Given the company’s failure to return the invested amount, Ibohal explained that they have taken initiatives to utilize and engage in cultivation activities on the paddy fields owned by the Salai company in their region.
He continued, stating, “We don’t want their property. We are simply occupying their land as a form of protest to compel the repayment of our invested money. This occupation is a symbolic act to draw attention to their failure to fulfill their financial obligations. However, the Salai company is actively pressuring us to withdraw our case from the High Court of Manipur.”
“We petitioned the High Court to grant us the right to occupy the property, and in 2022, the Revenue Commissioner issued an order reinforcing our stance. The order explicitly prohibits the sale, mortgage, gifting, or any other transaction involving the agricultural land at 46-Phumlou linked to the mutation from M/S Salai Agro Product Pvt. Ltd. to any person or party without notifying the Salai Investor Demand Committee during the period when the deposited amount remains unpaid,” he explained, presenting a copy of the letter signed by the Deputy Secretary (Revenue).
“Despite the persistent pressure from Salai urging us to withdraw the case, we remain resolute in our stance because the company has yet to fulfill its financial commitment by repaying our invested money. We categorically refuse to withdraw the case, and should they resort to pressuring our members and office bearers, we are prepared to seek legal recourse to take appropriate action against such tactics,” he affirmed.