PRESS RELEASE
The
31st January, 2014
The Centre for Research and Advocacy, Manipur,
organised a consultation on “Land Grabbing in Manipur” at Manipur Press Club on
31 January 2013. The consultation, attended by communities affected by Mapithel
Dam, Loktak Project, Heirok Canal Branch, Lamphel Yaipha Leikai, Tipaimukh dam
etc and Oil exploration plan in Manipur, was moderated by Dr R.K. Ranjan, Senior
Environment. Y Mani Khuman, President All Manipur United Clubs Organization,
Ms. Nganbi, JAC Against the eviction of Lamphel Yaipha Leikai etc was the
presidium members of the consultation. Mr. Jiten Yumnam, Secretary, Centre for
Research and Advocacy, Manipur, provided overall key note on the trend of land
grabbing in Manipur and the challenges.
The consultation, organized to assess the existing
and emerging pattern of land grabbing in Manipur was also attended by representatives
of Asian Peasant Coalition, AGRA, MONLAR from countries such as Sri Lanka,
Indonesia, Philippines and Nepal, who shared experiences on some of the key
process of Land grabbing and its impact on agriculture in their respective
countries. The consultation assessed the ongoing process of land grabbing
caused by mega development projects, urbanisation, expansion of infrastructure
projects, militarisation and possible threats and impacts on the food
sovereignty of indigenous communities of Manipur.
Mr. Oinam Deben of All Loktak Lake Areas Fishermen
Union expressed apprehension on the proposed Loktak ring road on the fishing
and farming communities dependent on Loktak Lake. He appealed to repeal the
Manipur Loktak Lake Protection Act, 2006. Mr. Thanmi Kashung of the Mapithel
Dam Affected Villagers Organization expressed concern as to how the mega dam
will submerge more than 1000 hectares of prime agriculture land along the Thoubal
River and another 595 acres of forest land due to Mapithel Dam and the various
impacts on their livelihood and ecology. Mr. Laishram Mandir, spoke on the
impacts of Mapithel Dam, proposed Heirok Canal branch, especially their access
to water resources for agriculture. Mr. Tongbram Gunadhor also spoke on the
hardship inflicted by the forced eviction at Lamphel Yaipha Leikai. Mr.
Pangambam Tomba, President, Committee on Protection of Agriculture Land,
Heingang also spoke on how agriculture land are targeted for forcible
acquisition without consulting the land tillers. Mr. Rajesh of Sekmai Protection
Committee spoke on impact of sand mining along Sekmai River, the loss of farm
land due to creation of Gals Bottling Plant and militarization etc.
The representatives from the Asian peasant
Coalition, Ms. Roda, Mr. Budi, Mr. Lakpriya, and Mr. Poudel drew similarities of
experiences of land grabbing and impacts between the people in other parts of
Asia and Manipur. They expressed their reservation on the promotion of neo
liberal policies in the increasing globalized world which has caused loss of
means of production of the small scale farmers, fishing communities, indigenous
peoples etc across the world.
The consultation concluded with a general agreement
among the participants to extend solidarity to the efforts of all communities
across Asia to promote food sovereignty and rights of all communities striving
for defence of agriculture land, natural resources.
Sincerely
Yours,
(Jiten
Yumnam)
Secretary
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