Rail line realignment opposed

IMPHAL, Feb 5: Objecting the proposal to realign the railway route from Jiribam to Tupul, the Joint Action Committee (JAC) for Restoration of Railway Line from Jiri to Tupul has categorically stated that the there should not be any change in the route of the railway track which had already been approved after a survey work.Addressing a press conference in this connection at Manipur Press Club here today, JAC chairman Lalkholen Thangeo asserted that construction of the railway line has already started after a proper survey and approval of the route including the location of the sub-station at Tingmun via Gobakot and Khambiron villages. Therefore the decision of the Railway Board to realign the approved route with an eye on the proposed construction of Tipaimukh Dam is objectionable. At the beginning of the survey work necesary due attention had already been paid in this regard and the route accordingly approved, the chairman pointed out, while complaining that the Railway Board has also so far not taken into confidence of the people on the sites where the proposed realignment is to be carried out.While informing that the JAC has already submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister in this regard, Lalkholen also conveyed that the Chief Minister had assured the JAC of taking up the matter with the Railway Board.Objection to realignment of the railway route should not be seen as a communal issue of the tribal people but to ensure the benefits of the the railway line to the tribal living in the backward areas as well.In case of going ahead with the proposed realignment of the approved railway route, it would hurt the sentiments of many villagers, the Chairman added.