Timothy Zimik calls for sowing seeds of wisdom
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Makang
Ukhrul, February 29 2024:
Retired IRS Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax, Ministry of finance (Revenue), K Timothy Zimik stated that Luira Phanit is not only a time for celebration, but also a time for reflection and growth.
"It is a time for us to come together as a community and sow the seeds of wisdom for holistic development," he said, while speaking as chief guest of the Luira Phanit, the annual seed sowing festival, celebrated at Ramva village in Ukhrul district on Thursday.
Zimik, who is seeking the ticket of Naga People's Front (NPF) for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, urged the gathering to ponder on this perspective.
He then emphasised the importance of education as the foundation for the growth of society, adding that wisdom comes from education.
"Education cannot be undermined at any cost and that it is our responsibility to ensure that our younger generation has access to quality education.
As a community, it is essential for us to support and encourage the education of our children, as it is the key to a brighter future for our community as a whole," he stressed, while adding that with education, there are other aspects that need attention.
Zimik also spoke about the need for economic development in the hill areas and urged the local farmers to look beyond traditional crops and seeds and explore other options for agricultural development.
He suggested the cultivation of saffron, which is much costlier than poppy, as an alternative to opium cultivation.
"While poppy cultivation is illegal and has led to various social and economic problems in the region, saffron cultivation is legal and can bring in a significant source of income for our farmers," he noted.
Apart from highlighting the potential of agroforestry and horticulture development in the hill regions, he stated that the hill regions of Manipur can become an ecotourism hotspot, and called for promoting sustainable tourism in the hill areas.
Zimik also sparked discussions on disparity of budget allocation between the hills and the valley, stating that the current budget allocation for the state of Manipur is Rs 35,022 crore, out of which 50 per cent is allocated for the hills.
This amounts to Rs 17,800 crore for the development of the hill areas.
Additionally, Rs 10,013 crore has been allocated for the creation of new infrastructures in 16 districts, with each district being allocated Rs 625 crore for its development.
Despite such a significant amount being allocated for the development of the hills, Zimik claimed that the hill areas are being deprived of these funds.
Zimik also raised his voice on the on-going Naga political issue, stating that Nagas have sacrificed thousands of lives for their rights.
He highlighted the fact that the historic Framework Agreement was signed between the government of India and the Naga group to pave the way for peace.
"I have decided to work for the Naga people and their rights and I have vowed to raise this issue in the parliament," he said.
He stated that after serving for 36 years as a government employee, he could have led a comfortable life at home.
"But, instead, I chose to serve my people and fight for their rights and developmental needs".
Zimik also emphasised the importance of the upcoming delimitation exercise in 2026.This exercise will be crucial for the hill people in safeguarding their rights and ensuring equal representation.
The delimitation exercise is the process of readjusting the boundaries of parliamentary or assembly constituencies to ensure a fair and equal distribution of voters.
"In the past, t,he poor implementation of this exercise has resulted in marginalized communities like the hills being underrepresented, he pointed out.
Zimik was accompanied by his wife Phungamla Zimik, former Naga Women Union (NWU) president Asha Wungnam and others.
The event was also attended by NPF Ukhrul Division president C Shem, NPF Chingai Unit president Shimreingam Zimik and party representatives.