Meeting With Shri. B.K. Handique, Minister DONER, Govt. of India
- North East Peoples' Organization (NEPO) -

June 22 2010, New Delhi

A brief Note of Today's Meeting With Shri. B.K. Handique, Minister DONER, Govt. of India

Today, a delegation of North East Peoples' Organization (NEPO), Manipur chapter which is comprising Ch. Chidananda , Associate convenor (NEPO) and P.Premananda Permanent member, NEPO has met B.K. Handique, Minister DONER Govt. of India at his office chamber, Bigyan Bhavan, New Delhi at 2pm. In this meeting NEPO Delegation has submitted a memorandum on urgent attention for the development and protection of the life line of Manipur i.e. National Highway No.53.

The submitted memorandum of NEPO enclosed the photographs present deteriorated conditions of NH-53 and NEPO briefs the present scenario of life line of Manipur i.e. NH-53 and NH-39. At today's meeting with Minister DONER, Dr. T. Meinya, Member of Parliament Manipur also participated.

In today's meeting, Minister told NEPO Delegation that DONER Ministry is fully aware the present situation of Manipur. He further informed that DONER Ministry is discussing about to developed a possible alternative road which is to be connected Jiribam to Imphal through NH-150. Minister DONER assured NEPO delegation that as a concern Ministry of North East Region, DONER will put up and persuade to the concern ministry for development of NH-53 in a positive way.

After this 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 life line of Manipur and improvement of NH-53.

It is noted that before this meeting with Minister DONER, NEPO has submitted same memorandum copy to Prime Minister of India and Minister, Road, Transport & Highways.

Enclosed: A memorandum copy with latest Photographs of NH-53.

Sd/
Ch. Chidananda
Associate Convener, NEPO



To
The Hon'ble Union Minister
DONER Govt. of India,
New Delhi

Subject: Urgent attention for the protection and development of life line of Manipur i.e. National Highway No.53.

Respected Sir,

Representing the sentiments and feelings of the people of Manipur in this crucial juncture, I the undersigned here on behalf of the North East People's Organization (NEPO), Manipur Chapter, have the honour to draw this few words for your kind perusal and urgent necessary action.

That, the well familiar economic blockade enforced by the Frontal Organizations of Mr. Th. Muivah & his parties on both the life lines of Manipur (i.e. NH-39 and NH-53) has exposed the enormous suffering of the state of Manipur in highest level. It is showing that how the people of Manipur have been connecting to its mainland 'India' and other 'Indian States' and surviving at odds. We experienced that some of the actions has taken up to lift the present economic blockade which is caught in the highways.

Even though the actions have been taken lately by the Government of India and its concerned Ministry we would like to thank for this endevour. By this frequent economic blockade, killing and harassment of truckers, drivers and passengers, even rape & molestation, extortion, highway robbing, collection of illegal taxes, and burn down of loaded trucks within neighboring State 'Nagaland' which was committed by so called peace talk parties and suspected groups acknowledged a long shock experience with NH-39 to hurt the sentiments of Manipur people in anxiety lives.

On the other, in various incidents all the details of inhuman and unconstitutional activities has been reported and complained frequently but any concrete feasible action has not been taken so far. In this regard, an apex body of transporters, inter-state trucks and bus owners and drivers of Manipur decided finally will not to ply the National Highway 39. So it would be the right decision of Manipur people which stood for giving more priority only at NH-53 (Imphal Jiribam Road) as an alternative means of life line.

At the same time we feel humiliated to recount the present scenario of NH-53, by these few photographs that enclosed with this memo evidenced the tale of life for this highway. In this regard, we would like to mention that 'National Highway' is clearly listed in Union List of Indian Constitution. For this reason, it is obvious that the sole responsibility for protections and development is for Central Govt.

With consideration of the above circumstances, to bring a long lasting solution for this matter, we earnestly request to the Government of India through respected sir, to sanction a special package amounting Rupees 300 Crores, for the development and protection of NH-53. To curb and counter the illegal and inhuman activities of National Highways, The Government of India should take-up strict security measures to establish a Highway Protection Force.

I do hope you will kindly comply with our request taking the gravity of situation of Manipur with greater sense of urgency.

With extreme regards.

Yours Sincerely
(Ch. Chidananda)
Associate Convener,
NEPO, Manipur Chapter.