Imphal, Oct. 25: The commissioning of Khuga multi-purpose project will be delayed further after contractors set on fire the transformer and four generators last evening.
Claiming responsibility for the arson, the president of the Khuga Dam Neglected Contractor’s Forum, T. Gangte, said they burnt the transformers and generators to protest against the government’s failure to clear bills, amounting to Rs 2.5 crore, belonging to nearly 40 contractors.
Gangte said the forum met chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh and flood control minister N. Biren Singh repeatedly and demanded clearance of the bills pending since the financial year 2005-06.
“We committed the arson after our deadline for clearing the liabilities expired on October 23. We will commit similar acts in the future if our demands are not met,” Gangte warned.
Biren Singh said the bills were pending as an inquiry was on. He, however, added that the state government was working out a formula to clear the liabilities. The minister also said that the burning of the equipment would not delay the project.