Assam government’s initiative over River Khri
NONGSTOIN: A public rally, organized by the Indigenous Biodiversity and Social and Cultural Welfare Organization (IBSWO) was held at Madan Tirot, Mairang. The rally was aimed to protest the proposed Dam on the River Khri by the Assam Govt.
Attending the meeting were Hopingstone Lyngdoh MLA Nongstoin, K P Pangniang MLA Rambrai, Enbin Raswai MDC Mawkyrwat, P B M Basaiawmoit, Christabel Wanniang Gen Secy CSWO, Dr Fenela Nonglait and representatives of Hima Rambrai, Raid Nong Mynsaw and social activists from Assam, Nagaland and Manipur.
Chairing the rally, Graham D Lakiang President IBSWO clarified that it was not an HSPDP meeting. “It is very unfortunate that out of the 8 political parties of the state, only one (HSPDP) seems concerned about safe- guarding the lands and lives of the indigenous people of Meghalaya,” Lakiang said. He added “We had sent an invitation to all the 8 political parties of Meghalaya to come to the aid of the people that were going to be affected by construction of the dam.” Lakiang also said that it was even more sad that the local MLA of Mairang including the MDC and the Hima Nongkhlaw were absent at the rally. “People from outside are bearing your burden”, he exclaimed at those absent.
MLA Rambrai, K P Pangniang informed that 30 villages with a total population of well over 5000 people would be affected and displaced if the dam came to play. He added that the Assam Govt was violating the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution by snatching the land of the tribal people without their consent.
“If this dam is constructed, all living organisms in the vicinity would perish”, Pangniang said. Continuing, he said, “3 villages of Hima Rambrai, 15 villages of Raid Nongmynsaw and 1 market place of the Khasi and Garo people would be badly affected.”
He added that the Assam Govt, no doubt, would generate electricity which is good for the people but however, it should not devastate another section of people. He urged upon the Govt of Assam to reconsider the proposal and relocate the dam.
K K Chatradhara, a social activist from Assam claimed that powerful companies were eyeing for dam construction in Meghalaya as it has good water resources. The rally resolved to disallow the Government of Assam to construct a dam on the River Khri. It also urged the Government of Meghalaya to oppose the dam while appealing the central govt to intervene and to stop the dam construction.