Villagers residing along the Shahirok river in Manipur staged a protest demonstration on Friday against the move to convert Shahirok river banks to farms,
Demanding issue of notification not to build piggery or any kind of farms on the bank of Shahirok river, thousands of villagers who reside on the river banks staged a sit-in protest at Sanjam Khunou Youth Club in Imphal West on Friday.
A public meeting was also held at the club, jointly organized by Senjam Khunou and Senjam Chirang Joint Development Organization, Phumlou gaon panchayat, Lairenkabi Kadangband gaon panchayat, Phayeng gaon panchayat, Mayanglangjing GP, Khurkhul GP, Loitang Khunou Village Committee, Leimakhong Chingmang, Kanto Youth Club, Moibung Khunou Youth Club and Awang Sekmai Protection Committee.
During the meeting, it was resolved to urge the State Government to arrest the culprit who shot one villager of Senjam Chirang on December 16 during the clash with Haraothel villagers.
They further resolved to stop any activities to contaminate the water of Shahirok river, which is the lifeline of around 40,000 villagers.
On the other hand they also demanded to keep 40-Senjam Khunou, Sheet no. 4 under the jurisdiction of Sekmai police station as it is under Imphal West district and also mentioned that setting up of any kinds of schemes or project or private works within the boundary of sheet no. 4 should not be allowed without the permission of the land owners of Senjam Khunou and Senjam Chirang.
A villager of Senjam Chirang sustained bullet injury on his left chest during a clash on December 16. Another six villagers of Haraothel village also sustained injuries.
The incident took place when villagers of Senjam Chirang went to a disputed land area between Senjam Chirang and Haraothel to stop construction of farms by villagers of Haraothel.