“The school students in uniform cried out piteously when they returned from their classes and stood gazing the sky in the open air without houses”- Panti Gonmei.
Jilima Yengkhom
IMPHAL: The Law Breaking Day cum Prayer Day is observed today at the Press Club organised by the JAC Against Arbitrary Displacement Of Naga River Colony 25- A Kabo Leikai as it’s 6th anniversary in protest against the Law Breaking Eviction on 20th May 2013 and remembering the five people who passed away in connection with the eviction induced mental shock.
Remembering the horrible day when the government of the day sent hundreds of paramilitary forces and forcefully destroyed their settlement colony at the Naga Riverlane Kabo Leikai North AOC, Imphal to pave the way for luxury 5 Star Hotel.
The Naga River Colony 25(A) Kabo Leikai used to occupy about two acres, and was one of the oldest village in the heart of Imphal Municipality, inhabited by nine different ethnic communities including tribal, Gorkhas, Meiteis, Meitei pangals (muslim), living peacefully together.
The legitimate dwellers who had been settled for more than 50 years were helplessly evicted without giving the opportunity of being heard and in violation of the High Court Stay orders, making mockery of the honourable High Court.
Speaking at the observance, Panti Gonmei, Co Convener of the JAC, says that “the place were dismantle, damage and residents evicted in violation of the Manipur High Court stay order. Over 39 houses were bulldozed mercilessly.”
The Government did not even honour the sanctity of the three Churches namely the Gorkha Church, Naga Riverlane Church and the Tangkhul Baptist Church. Inhabitants comprised school children, heart and BP patients, physically and mentally challenged persons. She added that the JAC would continue to observe the day as “The Law Breaking Day” until justice is done and reiterated that the JAC will stand against any form of human right violations.
Achung Kom, 63 years who was one of those families who had been evicted said his family has been a refugee since the eviction drive having no where else to go. He added that there are many like his family who has to stay in a small rented place having no place to go, bearing great difficulties.
Despite their dark days the evicted villagers are hopeful that justice will be done by the Supreme Court in response to the case they had filed challenging the land acquisition proceedings and government policy decision.
