Socio-economic structures of Manipur centres around Imphal city. The city is thickly populated with vegetable and goods market, media houses and most institutions, owned privately or by public, including schools, offices, the hospitals and banks, located in its proximity. And with the recent upgrading of Imphal Tulihal Airport to an international status, to facilitate the entry of foreign tourists, the state government has shown keen interest in expansion of Imphal city road, particularly the Tiddim road (50 feet on either side of the median), between Keishampat junction and Malom culvert point. The land acquisition and eviction of buildings for the road expansion was carried out in the general public interests, however, it had varying impacts on the public for whom the interest was taken up, particularly the pattadars living along the main road. Most of the buildings and structures that were demolished include grocery and stationary shops, hardware and pharmacies, vehicle workshops, chai hotels, etc. which sustain livelihood of many directly or indirectly. Many homes were also affected but no alternative place was provided to relocate. Monetary compensation paid for the land acquired was not enough for constructing new buildings, let alone the land value that is lost. ....Continue Reading
