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 2. Mr. P. Chidambaram, Home Minister 3. Chairperson, National Human Rights Commission of India 4. Mr. Okram Ibobi Singh, Chief Minister of Manipur |