The Zeilad Wildlife Sanctuary Affected Villages Committee in collaboration with Chramram Segment Voice reaffirmed their objections against the proposed Zeilad Wildlife Sanctuary on Wednesday.
Zeilad Wildlife Sanctuary Affected Villages Committee convener Gaikhangkhon Kamei, secretary Loveson Kamei, Napangai Kamei and others spoke on the issue at a press comference held at Rigunlong Tamenglong Ward No II, Tamenglong HQ.
The affected villagers recalled the meeting of August 19, during which they resolved not to allow the establishment of the proposed Zeilad Wildlife Sanctuary. They said that when the Zeilad Wildlife Sanctuary was proposed, the notification served was kept hidden in a file and never reached the deserving stakeholders, land owners and the affected villages.
Zeilad Wildlife Sanctuary is located within an area of 21 square kilometres in Tamenglong district and covers four villages, namely Zeiladjang, Makuai (Atengba), Tajijang and Tongtao, they said.
However, another eco-sensitive zones of Zeilad Wildlife Sanctuary covers more than 13 villages namely, Atengba, Charinapang, Chingkao, Chingkhonglong, Impa Ningdi, Kaikao (Namkaolong), Lungjon, Pabram, Saramba, Sempang, Thiulon, Vanchanphai, among others.
These villages have been existing since time immemorial and are recognised by the Manipur state government as revenue villages, they claimed.
They further said that when Zeilad Wildlife Sanctuary was proposed, the authority concerned failed to consult the stakeholders and did not give any prior information or awareness to the affected villagers.
According to the Zeilad Wildlife Sanctuary Affected Villages Committee, four villages were affected whereas more than 13 villages will come under eco-sensitive zones, they mentioned.
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They said that the proposed Zeilad Wildlife Sanctuary project is run by individuals with vested interests, declaring that the committee will fight tooth and nail if the government continues to implement the project.
They fervently urged the government to withdraw the proposed Zeilad Wildlife Sanctuary project in the interests of the general public and the affected villagers. They also warned of taking intense forms of agitations if the authority concerned pays no heed to the voice of the people.
