Imphal, Nov 7 (UNI) Many organisations in Manipur today jointly called a 24-hour state-wide bandh on November 11 demanding withdrawal of an MOU signed between the Manipur Government and North Eastern Electrical Power Corporation (NEEPCO) for construction of Tipaimukh dam to generate 6000 mw electricity.

The strike was called after some 29 organisations in a meeting yesterday decided to oppose erection of Tipaimukh Dam. The meeting was organised among otehrs by Naga Peoples' Organisation (NPO) and Naga Peoples' Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR). They have decided to serve an ultimatum to the government to dump the MOU by November 10.

The Tipaimukh dam has become a major local debatable issue and the opposition emanated from earlier projects like Loktak hydro project, which has threatened the existence of Loktak lake, an environmentalist said.

Large areas of agricultural lands were submerged by Loktak and the loss was much more than the 12 per cent free power given by the project.

The Manipur government had to bear all expenses incurred in looking after the lake, he said.

There was apprehension that the proposed dam might submerge major portions of Churachandpur district and affect other neighbouring districts and some portion of Mizoram state.

UNI NS PC AKP1028