IMPHAL, March 25: A one day consultation program on “Crisis of potable water in Manipur: Is there a way out” was held today at EEMA conference hall, Keishampat Junction, Imphal. The function was attended by many organizations, students as well as individuals from different parts of the state.
The consultation program was chaired by Kheidem Mani, senior advocate, Yambem Laba, senior journalist and Meihoubam Rakesh, director, Human Rights Law Network, Manipur as moderators.
Addressing the keynote, Meihoubam Rakesh stated that we don’t have water problem but we lack potable water, even though we have Public Health Engineering Department running with thousands of employees.
Declaring that right to water is a basic fundamental right, Meihoubam Rakesh concluded his keynote address saying that the consultation program is the first step of protest towards the government’s failure to provide potable water to the general public.
Later, during the knowledge sharing session, K. Rabei, a practicing lawyer at Guwahati High Court said that if the government is responsible for the crisis so as the people, since India is a democratic country. He also said that we should take legal action with the help of legal experts.
Further, women folk who were present have expressed their anger, saying women folk suffer more, so they will take more initiative and support the cause in every possible way. Other organization representatives, students and individuals also expressed their anger towards the failure of the Government.
Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2012/03/crisis-of-potable-water-is-there-a-way-out/