IT News
Imphal, Oct 3:
MSAD has slammed the N. Biren Singh government stating that the Santhei Natural Park of Andro was dishonourably disturbed by his government announcing tender notice for converting the park into a public private partnership model without consulting the people of Andro who have been taking all roles for the growth and development of the park since its initial stage. Resisting the government’s decision, people of Andro had had a rebellion protest.
A statement by MSAD Secretary General Chon Thokchom said that in the conscience of the situation there, MSAD had a discussion there at the park with the park committee members, club and Meira Paibi there after which a protest was held and an appeal was announced to all organizations and student bodies in Manipur to raise their voice and stand with the people of Andro it added.
MSAD Secretary General further stated that the second time, MSAD discussed with various representatives of the Santhei Natural Park Committee, Andro Western Baruni Youth Club, Center for Research and Advocacy, Manipur, Anouba Meerol, Indigenous Perspective, Banglore Manipur Students’ Association, students of Delhi University, Dhanamanjuri University, Imphal College, NG College and various other activists based in Manipur in a general meeting organised by Khungang Yawol. The PPP model at Santhei Natural Park is against the indigenous rights of the people of Andro. It is a colonial and capitalist step to convert a community owned asset into a PPP model. As the term goes “Public” and “Private”, there are no people involved here. ‘Public’ means the government but colonial i.e. the colonialist,’Private’ means the private individuals who can invest a huge amount of money overtaking the shares and rights of the poor people of Andro i.e. who have huge enough private assets like money i.e. the capitalists. Hence,PPP model at Santhei Natural Park, Andro is a colonial and capitalist project. It is to be aware that tourism is all about profit making by capitalists, it is a black art of making money by converting community assets into private properties in the name of public. Tourism harms the indigenous cultures, food habits, dressing styles, etc. of the indigenous people on whose lands it operates. MSAD has been standing with the people of Andro and will stand in their struggle against the colonial and capitalist government in Manipur. MSAD applied to stop PPP model at Santhei Natural Park Andro and Stop Privatising Community Asset.
