Northeast

Manipur's Mega Food Park construction halted amid strong protest by women farmers of Yaithibi Loukol

Farmers of Yaithibi Loukol in Thoubal district strongly protested the construction of the first-ever Mega Food Park in their farm land.

ByIFP Bureau

Updated 15 Mar 2022, 4:05 pm

(Photo: IFP)
(Photo: IFP)

The construction of the first-ever Mega Food Park in Manipur located at Yaithibi Loukol in Thoubal district was halted on Monday as clash broke out between the construction crew and the local farmers, who have been long opposing the construction of the government project in their farm land.

The incident took place when the contractors and construction crew of Mega Food Park arrived at the Yaithibi Loukol. Women farmers, who were protesting against the construction of the Mega Food Park, restricted the construction, after which a dispute between the construction crew and the local public broke out.

A team of the district police arrived to settle the altercation and let the construction continue. However, following the persistent protest of the local farmers and public, the construction was ceased for the day.

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One Bina recalled that years ago when the state government planned to construct a Sports University at the Yaithibi Loukol land, the local farmers protested.

Offering to return the compensation amounts, the local farmers had appealed to the state government to not interfere with the cultivation and prevent further construction projects on Yaithibi Loukol lands, she added.

Upon the negligence of their appeals by the government, the public had taken the matter to the court, she said. Stating that the hearing of the issue had been scheduled on March 30, the public demanded that no construction projects should be continued until the matter is resolved by the court, she explained.

It may be recalled that tension erupted in 2021 at Yaithibi Loukol as farmers protested against the state government for damaging several hectares of ripe paddy fields for construction of a Mega Food Park in the area.

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According to official sources, the "Mega Food Park will provide 1500 direct employment to the local youth in its units. On its completion, the park will also have a 1800 MT cold storage facility, and ripening chambers for locally produced fruits and vegetables. Eight Primary Processing Centres will be set up in selected districts as a part of the park. The park will also have dehydration facilities to make Ginger/Turmeric/Chilli powder and paste making, fruit juice making facilities among others".

 


 

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Tags:

thoubalprotestYaithibi Loukolmega food park

IFP Bureau

IFP Bureau

IMPHAL, Manipur

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