Imphal, April 29, 2008: Hmar People’s Convention (D) today claimed responsibility for destroying dam machinery at the remote Tipaimukh dam site. The dam site was located at the tri-junction of Manipur, Mizoram and Assam.
The machines and other equipment worth crores of rupees kept for construction of the controversial Tipaimukh multi-purpose project which was used by North Eastern Electric Power Corporation, NEEPCO, the organization entrusted for constructing Tipaimukh dam.
Reports said, an armed group had on Saturday wrecked the foundation stone of Tipaimukh dam and some machinery used by NEEPCO. The foundation stone was laid by Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, during his last visit to the State.
The HPC(D) in a statement said the ongoing drilling work at the site is against the interest of the Hmar people as it involved their land, right and dignity.
The armed group also accused the State authority as well as NEEPCO of pushing the proposed project without consulting the people who will be affected.
Meanwhile, following the attack, officials and engineers of NEEPCO were said to have taken shelter in Silchar in Assam and in parts of Mizoram and reportedly demanded protection of the ongoing works at the dam site.
Source: Assam Tribune