Meghen basks under unity move
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 25 2011: Stating that the recent unification among seven armed groups operating in Manipur is a step forward in the ongoing revolutionary struggle and is to the aspiration of the people, UNLF chairman RK Sanayaima alias Meghen has appealed to the people of Manipur for support, saying that it is the fruit of the continued efforts made by the revolutionary groups for the last many years.

Talking to the media while being brought to the special court of NIA at Guwahati today, the arrested rebel leader asserted that there has been no sign of any development in Manipur over the last 64 years of its merger with India.

With exception to the roads and bridges constructed by the British during the Second World War, India has not taken up any developmental work for the welfare of the Manipuri people.

The roads and bridges being constructed by India in border area is only for its defence and the inter-village roads have been developed by the people of Manipur themselves using spades and daos.

Pointing out that better road communication, water and electric supply and education are essential for development of a society, the rebel leader said that the hours of electricity supply being received by the people of Manipur after commissioning of the Loktak Project is common knowledge.

UNLF chairman RK Sanayaima alias Meghen

The rebel leader observed that just after commissioning of the project, vast tract of agriculture land around the lake have been submerged under water which not only seriously impacted on the livelihood of the people but also caused numerous problems.

On the other hand, safe drinking water supply is something of a luxury even for people living in the heart of the capital city Imphal.

So, what would be the situation in the hill areas is known to all.

The rebel leader further observed that the system of education in Manipur right from the primary to the highest level in Manipur has deteriorated day after day.

Setting up of shopping complex and parking lot after closing down schools and colleges only goes to show how far the education system in Manipur has gone down.

Denial of the taste of real freedom to the people living in far flung and remote areas of India is one of the main causes for resurgence of Maoists in the hills, the rebel leader contended.

He went on to say that it is very unfortunate that the people of Manipur are under the notion that they would not be able to survive without depending on others.

It is also wrong to assume that development pace in the region has been retarded on account of the insurgency problem.

The people know very well who and how many percent of the fund provided for developmental works are being utilised.

There can be no development in Manipur until and unless the leaders perform their duties sincerely and with dedication.

It would be a great loss if the educated Manipuris have been absorbed into the Indian system, the rebel leader said.

While congratulating the people of South Sudan, which became an independent nation recently, the rebel leader has also appreciated the Sudan Government for understanding the historical background of South Sudan.