Support Rights of Manipur Communities Threatened with Forced Relocation

Date: 
Friday, November 2, 2012

The Government of Manipur is threatening to forcefully evict and relocate the villagers of Chadong and Lamlai Khullen, in the Ukhrul District of Manipur, Northeast India, to make way for the Mapithel Dam.

On the 28th of September the Government of Manipur issued an order constituting a “Joint Verification Team”, comprising of officials from the Irrigation and Flood Control Department, Deputy Commissioner of Ukhrul District and Tribal Department of the Government of Manipur, to identify families affected by ongoing construction of the Mapithel Dam in the villages of Chadong and Lamlai Khunou. The order is problematic and worrying as it undermines an earlier order by the same government, which formed the Expert Review Committee in 2008. The role of the committee was to assess the socio-economic, environmental, cultural and human rights impacts of the Mapithel Dam and also to address the rehabilitation and resettlement of affected communities.

How you can help:

In response to the order for forced verification, The Mapithel Dam Affected Villagers Organization and the Committee on the Protection of Natural Resources in Manipur are calling for urgent action from partners and allies around the world.

Please send a letter to the government representatives below urging them to:

  • Stop the forceful eviction and involuntary relocation of communities affected by the Mapithel Dam.
  • Stop construction on the dam and resume the Expert Review Committee formed in 2008, to carry out the studies needed to gain a full understanding of the far-reaching impacts of the Mapithel Dam.

(Read more information about this urgent action.)


Contacts:


1. The Prime Minister of India
South Block, Raisina Hill,
New Delhi, 110 101
INDIA
Tel: +91 11 2301 2312
Fax: +91 11 2301 9545 / 11 2301 6857

2. Mr. P. Chidambaram, Home Minister
Griha Mantralaya
Room No. 104, North Block
Central Secretariat, New Delhi 110001 INDIA
Fax: +91 11 2301 5750, 2309 3750, 2309 2763
E-mail: hm@nic.in

3. Chairperson, National Human Rights Commission of India
Faridkot House, Copernicus Marg
New Delhi-110001
INDIA
Fax: +91 11 23340016
E-mail: chairnhrc@nic.in

4. Mr. Okram Ibobi Singh, Chief Minister of Manipur
New Secretariat Building
Bapupara, Imphal, Manipur
INDIA
Fax + 91 385 2451398
E-mail: cmmani@hub.nic.in