GUWAHATI, Jan 27 � Krishak Mukti Sangram Samity (KMSS) and other organizations leading the anti-dam movement in Assam today alleged that the National Hydro Electric Power Corporation (NHPC) is gearing up for carrying out massive construction work at the Lower Subansiri Hydro Electric Project site violating the mutual agreement with the dam protesters.
Referring to an advertisement of e-tendering for purchase of bulk cement by the NHPC authorities, the KMSS, Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad (AJYCP) and Takam Mising Porin Kebang said that any type of construction activity on the project site would trigger a mass protest in the State.
The organizations asked the NHPC authorities for immediate withdrawal of the advertisement for cement purchase, which has been issued by Chief Engineer (purchase and contract) of the NHPC.
Addressing the media here, KMSS leader Akhil Gogoi said that at a meeting with the dam protestors on August 27, 2012 at Guwahati, the NHPC authorities assured them that till the next level of discussion with the protesters, no construction activity would be taken up at the project site.
�Contrary to its assurances, e-tendering has been called for purchasing cement in three categories. Tenders for 17,000 MT, 15,000 MT and 4,500 MT cement in the three categories, indicate that preparation for large-scale construction work is going on,� he added.
�We were in touch with the NHPC officials for holding the next round of discussion. Though their response is positive, no date has been fixed yet. If the tendering process is not stopped immediately it would stir up a massive protest movement,� said Gogoi.
The organizations also asked the State Government to make public the report submitted by the Group of Ministers on this issue. �The report has prohibited the use of security forces against the dam-protesters, but, the government has been using the police and the CRPF to weaken the anti-dam movement,� he added.
The protesters also demanded making public the report of Thatte and Reddy Commission. Manoj Baruah of AJYCP and Rahul Loying of TMPK also addressed the press conference and reiterated their stand to protest any construction activity at the LSHEP site.
