Bhojpur folks’ memo to PM

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    BhojpurBHOJPUR: Demanding inclusion of Bhojpur in project affected areas of Arun III, district folks along with leaders of nine parties submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Sushil Koirala and Minister for Energy Radha Gyawali through the Chief District Officer today.

    “The river flows through the border of both districts, but Bhojpur has not been incorporated in the list of project affected areas, whereas Sankhuwasabha is. Hence, both the districts should get equal privilege,” demanded the leaders of nine political parties of the district.

    It is the right of the district folks, said the leaders while submitting the memo to Chief District Officer Dil Kumar Tamang meant for the PM and Minister for Energy, today. The locals have demanded equal rights for the districts reminding that the Arun III contract was against the UN Declaration under the local people’s rights over natural resources.

    As per the contract, Sankhuwasabha folks are said to be given compensation for land, free electricity up to 30 units, construction of road and at least six per cent share of the project, among others. But it was unfortunate that Bhojpur folks had been deprived of these facilities.

    “We have long been demanding from the concerned authority for our inclusion in the opportunities, but in vain. Kailash Kumar Ale, a Nepali Congress leader of the district, said that they had requested the same from the PM and Energy minister through the memo. “If our demands are not addressed at the earliest,” we will announce strong protest,” said Ale.

    Source : The Himalayan Times