Manjolai families seek samthuvapuram, nothousing complex

Madurai: Families in Manjolai are ready to relocate but have urgedthe state govt to consider establishing a samathuvapuram(Periyar memorial equality village) instead of moving them to amulti-storeyed housing complex in Reddiarpatti, Tirunelveli. Thiswas stated by People's Watch executive director Henri Tiphagneand high court advocate Robert Chandra Kumar at a press meetin Madurai on Saturday.
Robert Chandra Kumar said Supreme Court had taken up thecase regarding rehabilitation of Manjolai residents. "Most of thepeople are agriculturists and livestock rearers. The proposedrehabilitation site near Tirunelveli city consists of a multi-floorapartment complex, which is unsuitable for people with cattle and agricultural livelihoods. What we seek is asamathuvapuram model, where these families can live with dignity and continue their way of life," he said.
Henri Tiphagne said there are about 500 families. "The govt must listen to their plea and ensure that resettlementhappens with full dignity. The villagers have demanded a compensation package of ₹25 lakh per family to helpthem restart their lives," he added.
Later, Tiphagne expressed concern over downgrading of India's National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)from ‘A' to ‘B' status by Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) citing various factor. They

include political interference in appointments, lack of pluralism in its composition, appointment of police officersas investigators in human rights cases among other things.
"The downgrading is a serious warning to India. The NHRC must urgently undertake reforms to regain itscredibility, independence, and effectiveness," Tiphagne said.