TODAY -
Parties cross swords over highway
Naresh Mitra | TNN | 11:15 AM, Sunday, January 15, 2012, Guwahati:
NH53 - which brings in essential supplies to the state from mainland India during economic blockades on the arterial NH39 - has of late become Manipur's alternative lifeline in 2011. A blockade initially imposed by Sadar Hills Demand Committee and later by United Naga Council lasted for about 121 days. In 2010, the NH 39 was blocked for 90 days by All Naga Students' Association Manipur against holding of autonomous district council election and Naga Students' Federation when NSCN (IM) general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah was prevented by Manipur government from visiting his native village in the state.
But this year, with the assembly elections around the corner, this road has turned into a battleline drawn between various political parties. Transport unions on January 8 stage demonstration in Imphal asking all political parties to include development of NH53 in their election manifestos. "NH 53 has been feeding us when Manipur is in crisis. But look at the pathetic condition of this vital highway. Between 2010 and 2011, at least five truck drivers and three handymen were killed in road mishaps because of the bad condition of the highway," said H Kolamoni Singh, general secretary of All Manipur Road Transport, Drivers and Motor Workers Union (AMRTDMWU).
Every political party in the state has rushed to clear their stand on the highway. Government spokesperson and Congress leader N Biren Singh said that development of NH53 was one of the priorities of the state government "Our chief minister ( Okram Ibobi Singh) has requested Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in writing that this highway should be developed because it is a lifeline for Manipur. As development of the road is not in state government's hands we are seriously pursuing with the centre," Singh said.
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* This Post is uploaded on January 15, 2012
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