IMPHAL, June 17 � Manipur Government�s move to evict residents of Naga river village (colony) for construction of a 5-star hotel has been opposed by the residents as well as All Manipur Christian Organisation (AMCO).
K Golmei, chairman of a body called �Against Land Acquisition of Naga River Colony� told the media here that they will never allow the government to drive them out of the place. Instead the locals threatened to launch an agitation in case the land acquisition plan is not reviewed.
Informing that the locality having a population of more than 500 people in about 50 households along with three churches and one Hindu temple, had been settled in the Colony for the last 70 years, he termed the government�s plan as inhuman.
Supporting the move, AMCO functionaries today said, they are ready to extend all help for the cause of the villagers.
�We also want development but all development should be taken up without hurting the sentiments of the people�, Rev K Haokip of AMCO said. President S Prim Vaiphei and Vice President Dr N Nipamacha of the organisation questioned how the Christians are to survive if the churches are going to be converted into luxury Hotel.
The State Government has initiated assessment of the properties of the residents of the colony located on the eastern side of the State-run Hotel Imphal by issuing a notification on May 20 last.
However, the residents started opposing the move by launching a sit-in-protest at their colony. Around 17 houses of Lamphelpat �A� village have been destroyed in order to evict the occupants recently to make way for the National Institute Technology (NIT) complex and a water body.
