Public take onus of repairing Guite Road
Source: The Sangai Express / S Singlianmang Guite
CCpur, February 24 2016:
In a bid to gain all weathered access to the neighbouring State of Mizoram, the Manipur Tribal Movement Road Construction Committee (MTMRC) has on Monday began repairing the most dilapidated portions of Guite Road with funds donated by public.
The MTMRC was founded by the JAC against anti-tribal Bills as part of the commitment to connect all hill areas with the neighbouring States.
The road repairing work that began yesterday was formally flagged-off by Lalmuanpuia Punte, general secretary, ZoRO Ghqs from Sinzawl village.
JAC convenor H Mangchinkhup, members of the MTMRC and people from the adjoining villages were also present at the flag-off event.
Speaking to media persons, MTMRC members said they would put in all possible effort to ensure that Guite Road gives unrestricted access to Mizoram for the people of Churachandpur in any eventuality as the State Government is still adamant to their stand on the three "anti-tribal" Bills.
The road will give more teeth to the on-going tribal movement against the 'anti-tribal' Bills and will strengthen the bond of brotherhood with the people of Mizoram, they said.
With a pool of resources that have been contributed by individuals, organisations and Churches, the road construction committee is hopeful that the repairing work would be completed within few months.
Public leaders from Mizoram who have attended the flag-off ceremony is said to have told the gatherings that they are always open to lend any assistance to their blood brothers in Manipur.
They have also announced to extend their support to the tribal people of Manipur in their struggle against the three 'anti-tribal' Bills and added that the Mizo Students Union (MSU) had held protest at Aizawl in support of the ongoing tribal movement in Manipur and that the ZoRO had even petitioned the Central leaders on the issue.
JAC convenor H Mangchinkhup claimed that the State Government is adamant to consider the charter of demands the JAC had submitted and is instead attempting to manoeuvre the issue.
On the issue of burying the bodies of the 9 'tribal martyrs,' he claimed that they have died protesting the Bills and as desired by the public, the Bills should be first addressed before the martyrs are buried.
He also said the Assembly election scheduled next year may be possibly boycotted if the three 'anti-tribal' Bills are not withdrawn by then.