Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 22:
Highlighting the sub-human conditions in which the people of Tipaimukh in Churachandpur district have been forced to live for ages, the Tipaimukh Area Development Front has submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister urging him to finish the construction of NH-150.Decrying the continued neglect of the area, the memorandum said that if the construction of the highway is not completed within the stipulated time, then the people of the area will be constrained to launch a civil disobedience movement, including non payment of taxes to the Govt and boycott of elections.
Stating that it does not have any confidence on the State PWD to complete NH-150, the memorandum cited the example of the Jiri-Tipaimukh road, which has not been completed though the work started 30 years back.
Ironically the State Govt has already submitted the completion report of this route, added the memorandum.
Urging the Chief Minister to provide the necessary security cover to the BRTF to complete the work on NH-150, the Front questioned why the State Govt is reluctant to provide the security cover, though the same has been done in the case of Tamenglong road, Ukhrul road, Jiri road etc.
The people of Tipaimukh area knows why security cover is not being provided and warned that they may be compelled to spill the beans that may work against the interest of the State.
Not only roads, but all basic facilities like health, education and other developmental works have been neglected leaving the people to their own peril, added the memorandum.
The non-completion of NH-150 means that the people cannot sell their agricultural produce in the markets on time, the Front said adding that the continued negligence of the area has led to a feeling of alienation amongst the people making them feel that they do not belong to Manipur.
In the 70s and 80s the people of Tipaimukh could travel to the district headquarters in 12 hours but today the same journey takes 2/3 days due to the deplorable conditions of Tipaimukh road, said the memorandum.
The Front added that they should not be held responsible if the people start seeking the aid of neighbouring States like Mizoram or Assam or even other countries, if the State Government cannot treat them as citizens of the land at par with the others.