Tough Tipaimukh Test For Manipur’s Chosen One

By Naresh Mitra

One point on the National Highway 53 in Manipur's Tamenglong district - where the Barak river flows quietly between lush-green hills before entering Assam to create the fertile Barak valley - has to be one of the most photoraphed spots in the state.

But one recent evening, when passengers of a bus travelling via the stretch stepped out to click some pictures with the setting sun in the backdrop, they were greeted by an ominous prophecy. In broken Hindi, a Zeliangrong youth, incidentally from a village also named Barak, said: "The river will be killed and it's beauty will never be the same again. And with the death of the Barak, our people will be in great danger."

The youngster was referring to the 1500-MW hydro-electric project at Tipaimukh in Manipur's Churachanpur district. His concern is shared by civil society groups in Manipur, but even with the assembly election approaching, politicians have ignored the issue which could imperil the safety and liveihoods of those living in the catchment areas of the Barak.

One particular tribe that depends on the Barak - or Ahu, as the river is known among locals - is the Zeliangrong Nagas of Tamenglong district. Zeliangrongs - an acronym coined in February 15, 1947 to represent Zeme, Liangmai, Rongmei and Puimei tribes under one name - are proud of their heritage and still recall the anti-British resistance under the leadership of Haipou Jadonang and later Rani Gaidinliu with pride. "A large chunk of Naga-dominated areas, including Tamenglong, will be affected, but surprisingly, even some Naga politicians in the fray are more concerned with the issue of integration of Naga-dominated areas rather than talking about the dam," an Imphal-based activist, said.

Pointing out that more than 100 villages are likely to be submerged once the project is complete, Aram Pamei, president of the Imphal-based Naga Women's Union (NWU) said politicians hardly seem concerned about the rammifications of the hydel project. However, Pamei observed that some Naga politicians are indeed voicing their concerns regarding protection and land and resources of Naga people. "There are a few Naga politicians who are raising the issue, but politicians and political parties on a wider scale should have shown more concern about the project in this election," Pamei observed.

Last year, the Congress-led Manipur government signed a tripartite MoU with NHPC Limited and Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited to implement the project, which has also met with some opposition in Bangladesh.

CPI candidate Letkhongam (Angan) Touthang, who is contesting from Jiribam constituency, has said that review of the Tipaimukh project is one of the major poll issue in this election. "Concerns over Tipaimukh is a people's issue. The project will not only affect people of Manipur but also Assam's Barak valley. Even my constituency faces the threat of submergence," he said.

Manipur government spokesperson and Congress leader, N Biren Singh said that project is going to usher in an era of development. "Power availability is a must for development, and Tipaimukh will aid Manipur's growth. Of course there will be submergence of areas, but there will be adequate rehabilitation for the affected people. We will take all the necessary care," he assured.