Agatha exhorts Manipuri women
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 15 2011:
Union Rural Development Minister of State Agatha Sangma has called upon Manipuri womenfolk to take more pro-active roles in order to ensure stability and speedy development of Manipur.
Addressing a political conference of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) at the premises of Ibudhou Naothingkhong Pakhangba Shanglen, Thangmeiband Lairenhanjaba Leikai today, Agatha, who is the country's youngest parliamentarian, said that she came to Manipur on a three-day visit not as a Minister but in the capacity of an NCP MP and a worker.
Observing that Manipur has a history of two Nupi Lans against British imperialists, she opined that Manipuri women of today need to struggle more to bring a revolutionary change towards progress in the society.
Noting that media coverage and publicity on irom Chanu Sharmila's 11 years old crusade against the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act 1958 is not satisfactory, the Lok Sabha MP pointed out that the media gave extensive coverage with electronic media dedicating 24 hours a day to Anna Hazare when he fasted just for a few days.
Saying that she has toured throughout the North East region, the NCP MP stated that no other State is as beautiful as Manipur.
NCP has been consulting with the Government of India over various issues and concerns related to Manipur.
It was the responsibility of the Central Government to get the prolonged economic blockade lifted which caused immense hardships to the people of Manipur, she observed.
She asserted that it is being looked into which projects can be taken up in Manipur for rural development.
She said that if people like Radhabinod Koijam are entrusted the responsibility of governance, people's interest and aspirations can be served much better.
Asserting that the incumbent Government is both blind and deaf, Radhabinod Koijam, in his address at the meeting questioned if the Government is serving any purpose.
He underscored the need to establish a Government which can hear people's voices and share their concerns.
Construction of some roads and buildings while turning blind and deaf to people's concerns is not a sign of benevolent Government, the former Chief Minister asserted.
It's time people examine minutely what the SPF Government and its Ministers have been doing.
Money cannot be the sole basis for governance, Radhabinod stated.
Among others, the political conference was attended by ex-MLA L Ibomcha, MLAs L Nandakumar, Doukhomang Khongsai and Salam Joy.
Agatha is also scheduled to attend public meetings at Keishamthong, Wangoi and Kshetrigao ACs.