Letmang Haokip
Thoubal, Feb. 15: The land owners affected by the proposed Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Multi Product jointly demonstrated sit in protest under the banner “Lemba Laijing Loukon Committee” at Kakchinglamkhai today.
The sit in protest was held against the Government decision to acquire 450 Acres of agricultural land forcibly in between Kakching Lamkhai and Kuraopokpi in Thoubal District for construction of the Proposed Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Multi Product.
Speaking at the sideline of the protest, N. Amuyaima Singh, Assistant Secretary of the Committee said that the Committee was formed following Deputy Commissioner Thoubal issued a notification for acquiring 450 Acres of agricultural and farm land at LembaLaijingloukon area in December 10, 2013. Since then, the Committee has submitted several Memoranda to the DC Thoubal and State government to revoke the decision to acquire the said agricultural land, he added.
Amuyaima further stated that amid the situation, without the knowledge of the affected land owners, some unknown persons give their obligation to acquire the said agricultural land for setting up the SEZ to the Union Minister of Commerce and Industry during her recent visit and inspecting the propose site. And we the genuine land owners were detained at Kakching Lamkhai and not allowed us to meet the visiting Minister during her recent visit.
While appealing the Government to save agricultural land and to take up such developmental projects at a place where agricultural activities cannot be taken up, Amuyaima further maintained that the Committee strongly protest the decision of the Government to acquire the said agricultural as it is very productive and it yield more than 6000 muan of rice annually. If the go ahead with its decision and deprived our livelihood, the Committee will intensify our agitation, the Assistant Secretary warned.