Dimapur, aug 29 (MExN): The Sugar Mill Village Council (SMVC) has condemned the action of the State government at the Sugar Mill Area, 6th mile, Dimapur. A release issued by the SMVC claims that the Government had, on August 26, brought in about a thousand IRB and NAP personnel and demolished public property worth lakhs of rupees in the village and that the ‘act of vandalism’ was committed without the issuing of any prior notice to the villagers or the Village Council. The council has also stated that, in the course of the eviction exercise, ‘many unwanted and excess inhumane actions were committed’ such as ‘manhandling and arresting of public without any rhyme or reason.’ The SMVC has further stated that the evicted families are now living as refugees as they have been rendered homeless. Tens of school-going children are facing physical and mental torture, the release added.
The SMVC has, on its part, clarified that that the land in question was being occupied and developed by the ex-employees of the Sugar Mill Company when their neighbours started encroaching upon the land due to the negligence of the State government. According to the SMVC, its members had, as a protective measure, occupied the same and had since been approaching the government for recognition as a village. It has further sated that the Chief Minister, the Deputy Commissioner and the concerned authorities had been apprised of the developments in the area. The release stated that several discussions had since been held with the Chief Minister who has assured the Village Council that he would look into the matter.
