IMPHAL, Nov 13 ? Chief Minister Okram Ibobi?s plan for development of his district in a phased manner is in a fix due to intervention by the Gauhati High Court. The Chief Minister who was elected from Khangabok Assembly constituency in Thoubal district said that Thoubal Bazaar would be developed very soon with funds from the Union Ministry of Urban Development. A proposal for development of Thoubal Bazaar at a cost of around Rs 45 crore has been sent agreed by the Union Ministry of Urban Development.
However, the Gauhati High Court?s Imphal Bench, in its interim order on November 9 has maintained status quo with regard to some plots at Thoubal Bazaar stating that the land should not be disturbed till the matter is finally disposed. Justice B Lamare passed the interim order on a petition filed by 36 land owners, who are running their businesses at the said plots.
Apprehending that they might be evicted from their plots by virtue of a government order, the land owners filed the writ petition which was represented by by AK Rajmohon. The petitioners and their predecessors have been occupying the plot for 40 years, earning their livelihood by opening shops on it. They have not been disturbed from any quarter, the petition said.
On October 23 last, the Town Planning Department issued a notification informing that the Municipal Administration and Housing and Urban Development (MAHUD) Ministry is planning to construct Thoubal Bazaar A and B and a retaining wall at Thoubal. While maintaining status quo on the matter, the High Court issued notice of motion to the government respondents returnable within December 9 next.
Commissioner/Secretary (Revenue), Chairman of Town Planning, Director, Settlement and Land Records, DC Thoubal and SP Thoubal are the listed respondents. Former state AG T Nandakumar assisted by Muhindro, appeared on behalf of the petitioners.
Meanwhile, Thoubal District Development and Demand Council, a powerful social organisation, in a release said that all hindrances to the proposed construction of a multistorey market complex at Thoubal Bazaar would be squarely met with. The Council has appealed to the Chief Minister , who also holds the planning portfolio, to expedite the construction process of the multistorey market complex.