Imphal, June 22, 2010: A delegation of North East Peoples' Organization (NEPO), Manipur chapter comprising Ch Chidananda, Associate convenor (NEPO) and P Premananda Permanent Member, NEPO met Union Minister of DoNER, BK Handique in his office chamber at Bigyan Bhavan, New Delhi at 2 pm today.

During the meeting, the delegation submitted a memorandum to the Union Minister drawing his attention urgently for the development and protection of the lifeline National Highway 53. Photographs showing the deteriorated conditions of NH 53 at present were also enclosed in the memorandum.

The NEPO delegation briefed Minister Handique on the present scenario of lifelines of Manipur i.e.NH 53 and NH39.Inner Manipur MP, Dr T Meinya also took part in the meeting.

The Minister told the delegation that DONER Ministry is fully aware of the present situation of Manipur.

He further informed that DoNER Ministry has been discussing steps to develop a possible alternative road to connect Jiribam and Imphal through NH 150.The Minister further assured the delegation that as a Ministry concerned of the North East Region, DoNER will put up and persuade the Ministry concerned for development of NH 53 in a positive way.

After the meeting, as directed by Minister DoNER, NEPO delegation held a separate meeting with Secretary DONER Ms Jayati Chandra at her office chamber at 2:30 pm regarding development of alternative lifeline of Manipur and improvement of NH 53. It may be noted that before today's meeting with DoNER Minister, NEPO had submitted copies of the same memorandum to the Prime Minister of India and Minister of Road, Transport & Highways.