Our Correspondent
IMPHAL, NOVEMBER 8
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he people of five villages under Yaithibi paddy field area in Manipur’s Thoubal district have once again appealed to the government to find out an alternative site for the construction of Sports University.
The five villages are Sora, Langthabal Khunou, Koijam, Yaithibi and Laiching Minou village.
After the central authority has announced to construct a sports university in Manipur, the state government has reportedly planned to acquire around 1200 acres of land at Yaithibi paddy field area popularly known as ‘Yaithibi Loukon’, covering an area of around 650 acres including agricultural land (and houses ) measuring around 420 acres.However, the government’s move has evoked sharp reaction from Yaithibi Loukon Land Owners’ Association (YLLOA). Protesting the move, YLLOA which said had even called 48 hour bandh on Imphal-Moreh highway which was concluded last evening.
A police team led by Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Kakching had also allegedly fired tear gas shells to disperse bandh supporters on Friday afternoon. The police action was later condemned by a public meeting Sora Awang Leikai the following day.
Later speaking to media at the Manipur Press club in Imphal on Saturday, the leaders of YLLOA said the meeting which was attended by local club volunteers and leaders has also demanded immediate legal action against the involved police personnel including the OC besides urging the government to look for alternative site for the proposed sports university construction.
A key functionary of YLLOA said they are not against the construction of a sports university in the State, but wanted the government to look for another alternative location rather than constructing the university at paddy fields which produces adequate rice for the 3000 population.
The Yaithibi Loukon which falls in the middle of three assembly constituencies Wangjing-Tentha,Kakching and Chandel, houses more than 300/400 houses with masjids, temples and churches, he added. The National Highway 102(Imphal-Moreh) passes on its eastern side.
