UTLA moots new A/C in Tamenglong
Source: Hueiyen News Service / JNN

Jiribam, June 05 2014: The United Tribal Liberation Front (UTLA, SK) has demanded two separate sub-divisions namely Longpi Sub-division and Vangaichungpao sub-division to be created by curving out from respectively Nungba Sub-division and Tousem Sub-division under Tamenglong District of Manipur.

During a press meet held at New Lamka in Churachandpur district today, UTLA Chairman S K Thadou informed media persons that he had submitted a memorandum to Government of India and Government of Manipur to club together the two sub-divisions to form a new assembly constituency with one MLA and two Sub-Divisional Centers /SDO Offices.

Terming the area as the most backward in the state, he pointed out that the area has no administrative center and the residents have to spend Rs 1000 for obtaining a document that costs only Rs 10 in the SDO office.

'This will solve the problem face by indigenous people of different communities numbering more than 8000 residing in 49 villages', Thadou said, while stating that their demand is not based on community aspect but on geographical area for administrative conveniences.

Chalking out the plan of his organisation, SK Thadou further asserted that its demand to the Govt also include inland waterway at Barak river and Irang River along with water supply tank or reservoir at Old Kaiphundai Village to feed the surrounding village.

"Inland water-way is to be constructed at Irang River and one station each will be installed at Vanchungbung and Lenglong on the other side of Irang River at the earliest, he said.

Chairman of UTLA (SK) S K Thadou and General Secretary Robert Singson further lamented that the economy of the region suffers due to absence of communication facility.

'India has celebrated more than 60 years of independence but we are yet to have a celebration', they exclaimed.

The chairman pointed out that as the different indigenous communities of the proposed area are united in the common hardships they are facing, they are collectively termed as the indigenous people by UTLA (SK).

Pledging to create a model district with support of the governments at the Centre and the state as well as the public, the Chairman said that their demand is pragmatic and will be considered by the government considering the need for collective development.

Informing that they are now looking after more than 50 widows of its cadres who had lost their lives for a cause by giving stipend and accommodations in their Paniel Designated Camp at Laisangphai village of Jiribam, the Chairman expressed happiness over meeting the media persons even after the rumour of his dead during an ambush by rival faction in January this year.

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