Reap benefits of cross border opening call rung out
Titular king cautions all on FA impact
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 19 2018: Titular king Leishemba Sanajaoba has cautioned that if the Naga Framework Agreement contains anything which will hurt the sentiments and feeling of the people who are shouting for the integrity and unity of the State, a massive uproar/ unrest will break out in the State direly affecting the law and order situation.

He made the observation while speaking as the chief guest during the inaugural session of the Citizens' dialogue on the 'Prospects of Manipur and Sagaing Region' in light of India-Myanmar cross border initiatives, organized by the Act East Policy, Committee, Government of Manipur (India) in association with Indo Myanmar Fraternal Alliance at Imphal Hotel today.

The event was attended by titular king Leishemba Sanajaoba and president of AMWJU, Brozendro Ningomba (Editor of ISTV Network) as the presidium members.

Leishemba Sanajaoba appreciated the sincere efforts of Chief Minister N Biren Singh and the Convenor of the Act East Policy Government of Manipur (India) RK Shivachandra Singh, for ensuring the opening of the border gateway officially on August 8 with the aim of strengthening the relations between the two regions.

He continued that it is a dream come true for the people of the State and it was predicted and written in the Puya, that the 'Nongpok Thong' of the State will be opened eventually.

During his visit to Myanmar in November last year, Chief Minister N Biren had stated that opening of the border will not be that much meaningful until a border gateway is opened in Tamu which will facilitate people to people contact and trade between the two regions.

People to people contact is very much important for those staying in the Sagaing region in Myanmar and Manipur, after which the true meaning of 'Nongpok Thong Hangba' will be fulfilled.

Taking note of the desire of the Chief Minister for the development of the region, the Central Government had also sanctioned Rs 16 crore for the development and improvement of the road connectivity and other necessary infrastructure.

As Sagaing Region, Myanmar and Manipur, will take vital part in the cross border opening and both the regions need to maintain good relations and bring development together.

Otherwise, neighbouring States may snatch the opportunities.

We can't divert the different issues being faced by us, but it is better to find out solutions by diplomatic and political means, Sanajaoba opined.

The opening of the border gateway will also benefit the unemployed youth of the State, he added.

He also appealed to the people of the State not to let such a golden opportunity go to waste due to misunderstandings.

The titular King added that he will urge the Chief Minister for the construction of one Buddhist Guest House at Imphal for Myanmar Buddhists headed to Bodha Gaya, Bihar.

Bandhs and blockades are some the major problems in the State which lead to delayed development, Leishemba Sanajaoba said and appealed to both the hills and the valley people to stop bandh and blockade culture.

People should shun bandh and blockade and instead avail the opportunities of Indo-Myanmar cross border and focus towards development.

Bandh and blockade only bring hindrance to development of the State, he added.

Manipur is presently going through different issues which include the Border Pillar 81 issue with Myanmar.

Another major issue is growing apprehension among the people of the State in connection with the territorial integrity of the State due to the Framework Agreement.

Sanajaoba warned that if any points which may hurt the sentiment and feeling for the people and those who are working to safeguard the territorial integrity and unity of the Manipur, are included in the final pact then a massive uproar will erupt in the State affecting the law and order situation.

Director IPR, Manipur, Heisnam Balkrisna Singh gave the welcome address while the Convenor, Act East Policy Committee, Manipur, RK Shivachandra Singh delivered the keynote address of the occasion.

Later, after the inaugural session, three technical sessions were held along with the visiting team from Myanmar which included Nyein Chan Soe Win, Executive Director of Fly Mya Company, Myat Kyaw Kyaw, former Secretary of Sagaing region Government and Soe Myint, Editor in Chief and Managing Director of Mizzima Media Company Chairmen, Mizzima Foundation.

The technical sessions were held under the theme 'Industry- Academia interface and prospects of collaboration', 'Promotion of tourism and cultural activities ( sport, Eco Tourism and cultural exchange programmes)' and 'Trade and investment opportunity, pilgrimage, medical, healthcare, MICE in Manipur and Sagaing region and formation of Sagaing Manipur Development Forum' .

Entrepreneurs from inside and outside the State also participated in the programme.

It may be mentioned that the Citizens' dialogue will continue till tomorrow at Sendra and the programme will be jointly organised by Act East Policy Committee and Business Excellence Group.

Comment