The Social Development Association Kangchup has strongly condemned the Manipur government’s move to construct an oil depot by filling in and destroying Sanabung Pukhri and market which falls under 59 Kharang Koireng Dag No. 40.
Speaking to the media at Manipur Press Club, Imphal on Thursday, secretary general of the association Angom Dijendro stated that the push to construct the depot during such tumultuous times reflects poorly on the authorities’ sentiments.
“The state government published the gazette on October 26, 2022 to construct the oil depot for Bharat Petroleum,” he said.
He stated that the association, along with the people, had strongly objected to the construction through various media platforms.
The notification laid out the land acquisition procedures following which the people had complaint to authorities concerned on 21 November of the same year, he added.
He stated that authorities concerned had resumed the construction after the construction was stalled for many years.
“There are around 50 households at the said construction site. How are they planning to set up the depot right in the middle of a residential area”, he questioned.
As such, the association along with Kangchup Chingkhong Phayeng Kharang Singlup and Kangchup Women Association (Meira Paibi) appealed to the authorities to stop the construction and shift it to a more suitable location.