ProMASS News
Agartala: September 04, 2019: Thousands of people extended support to the proposed establishment of BSF Firing Range in Manu-Chailenghtha under Kanchanpur in North Tripura. People appealed to the Union Home Ministry to actively consider Manu-Chailengtha area for setting up BSF Firing Range as well as demanded proper rehabilitation of affected people.
Local sources said, thousands of people rallied today in support of the demand. The rally was organized by Kanchanpur Unnyan Manch – and a three-member team submitted a memorandum to the SDM in support of the demand.
“We are supporting the proposal for setting up BSF Firing Range in Manu-Chailenghtha ADC village for overall developmental interests of the area as well as proper rehabilitation of affected inhabitants of the area”, Unnyan Manch members said.
Earlier, BSF Officials of Nalkata and Panisagar Headquarters visited the site spanning across 126-acre land. Kanchanpur SDM Abhendananda Baidya also inspected the site. However, representatives of four Bru organizations are protesting the proposed establishment of Firing Range. These organizations are arguing that local Jhumiyas will lose their lands due to establishment of Firing Range, which will affect the livelihood as well as cultural traditions of local inhabitants.
Refuting the argument, Kanchanpur Unnyan Manch members said, Firing Range will augment connectivity and improve health sector – overall socio-economic conditions of people will be improved. Importantly, all sections of the people including local Jhumiyas will reap the benefits of development.
“Thousands of people of Dasda and Laljhuri blocks – from all walks of life – participated in the rally and assembled in front of the SDM Office today. Establishment of Firing Range will open doors for development and bring prosperity to both Bengali and indigenous people. It will not be wise to stall the project just as that some of the people. Moreover, we are demanding adequate rehabilitation of the affected people”, said secretary of the Manch, Ranjit Nath. He also said that copies of the memorandum, submitted to today to SDM, have been sent to the Chief Minister and Union Home Ministry.
