Bomdila
As many as 152 families of three villages of Senge, Nyukmadung and Lish, whose lands were acquired by the Indian Army, post 1962, were given compensation cheques of about Rs 53,92,71,110 at a simple ceremony in Senge village here on Thursday.
The cheques were given by Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju, Health Parliamentary Secretary Phurpa Tsering and West Kameng Deputy Commissioner Dr Sonal Swaroop.
Addressing the ceremony, the Chief Minister who earlier gave away a replica cheque of Rs 39,72,83,157 for Senge village said the villagers had to wait for almost 50 years to get their land compensation that was long overdue. He said this was possible due to combined effort from Ministry of Defence, Rijiju and the local MLA.
Each family will receive compensation amount of Rs 42,00,00, which will be directly transferred to their account, said the Chief Minister. To prevent any malpractices, he asked the villagers to report any officials asking for bribes in releasing compensation directly to local MLA and to the Deputy Commissioner, assuring that officers involved will be arrested and suspended.
Rijiju who earlier gave away a replica cheque of Rs 9,36,22,474 for Lish village pointed out issues regarding the dispute over beneficiary list due to which the compensation amount could not be transferred to their account. He, however, informed that district administration has assured that the issue would be sorted out within a week. He also handed over replica cheque of Rs 4,93,65,478 for Nyukmadung village council, which would be distributed to each beneficiary identified.
Terming it as auspicious day, the Union Minister said he had come to celebrate here as the villagers have got back their rightful compensation after almost 50 years. He credited it to combined team effort of Chief Minister, the Indian Army and the local MLA.
Also speaking on the occasion, Phurpa Tsering advised the villagers to use the compensation fund on good use such as for education, health and business and to desist from wasting it on gambling and partying.
The villagers in their speech thanked the Chief Minister, the Union Minister, the local MLA and the Indian Army for exhibiting a good teamwork due to which the compensation relief could be finally released bringing respite to distressed families.
They also thanked the Chief Minister and the Union Minister for making possible the visit of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa to West Kameng district. The villagers appreciated the duo for successful conduct of Buddha Mahotsava in Bomdila this year. As token of their appreciation, the villagers gifted them with photo album that contained collection of photos taken from these three occasions.
During the occasion, a colourful cultural programme from Monpa and Bhutanese community were presented. Also present were Brigadier SS Dahiya of the 40 Brigade, local administrative officials and other Army officials.
