'Sit with Delhi to stop Tipai dam project'

Tipaimukh Bandh Protirodh Andolan (dam resistance movement) yesterday submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina through the acting deputy commissioner, urging her to immediately sit with Indian government so that it stops implementation of its dam project on Borak river.
The agitators announced a fortnight-long protest programme against the Indian move to build the dam in Manipur state.
In the memo, they said the country's people have raised voice against the Tipaimukh project since it will create disastrous situation in greater Sylhet and Mymensingh.
Besides, the Indian government is going ahead with the gigantic programme without consulting Bangladesh. “It is just violation of international rules and norms,” the agitators said.
The protest programme includes view exchange meetings with different professional groups from July 3 to 15 and processions and rallies on July 16.
Earlier, the forum held a rally with its convener Bedananda Bhattacharya in the chair. City Mayor Badar Uddin Ahmed Kamran, Pro Reza-e-Khondaker of Shahjalal University, city corporation councillor Jamaluddin, Asit Bhattacharya, general gecretary of Hindu Bouddha Christian Oikya Parishad Sylhet unit, Ghatak Dalal Nirmul Committee Member-Secretary Nizam Uddin Lashkar Moina, district AL Vice-President Zahir Chowdhury Sufian, Sylhet Press Club Vice-president Al-Azad and Metropolitan Business Council President Faruque Mahmud Chowdhury spoke among others.
The speakers said the people of Indian states of Assam and Manipur should also stage strong protest against the Tipaimukh project as it will cause havoc in that region.