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`Loktak protection act violates constitutional right of fishermen`

IMPHAL, October 12: The State government along with the Loktak Development Authority, LDA has been curbing the rights of fishermen and people who are dependent on wetland, said All Loktak Lake Area Fishermen`™s Union, Manipur (ALLAFUM) secretary O Rajen.

Speaking at a press conference held at the Manipur Press Club today, he said repressive laws like the Manipur Loktak (Protection) Act, 2006 has been violating the constitutional rights of the fishermen.

Rajen pointed out that as long as the Act is in practice, farmers, fishermen and people dependent on wetland will not be able to live in peace.

He also maintained that the construction of the Ithai Dam has been a bane to many people making many suffer for the last many years.

Further he asserted that the LDA had issued a public notification ordering eviction of huts on phumdis (floating biomass) on the Loktak Lake under Section 19 and 20 of the Manipur Loktak Lake (protection) Act, 2006.

However, there is no section in the entire Act that empowers the LDA for such eviction and that the act of issuing eviction notice itself is ultra vires and uncalled for, he contended.

Rajen also lamented that the fishermen of the Loktak Lake and wetland dependents are traumatised following the atrocities meted out to them by the LDA authorities and Manipur police.

Continuing his charges against the LDA, Rajen said the authority is working in their vested interest and not for the development of the lake. Thus ALLAFUM strongly demand the repeal of the Manipur Loktak Lake Act; decommissioning of Ithai barrage; building spin way for aquatic animals; treatment of the lake`™s upstream areas; enacting mechanism to prevent fish entry into NHPC main canal, and restoring the biodiversity of the lake.

Rajen informed that memorandum in the same regard has been submitted to the Prime Minister of India, including the Union Home Minister; Law Minister, Agriculture Minister, Union Minister of State for environment, Lok Sabha MP (Inner Manipur), the Governor of Manipur, Chief Minister and other concerned authorities of the State.

Other members of ALLAFUM were also present during the press meet.

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