Source: The Sangai Express
Moreh, April 18 2010:
A joint meeting of Moreh-based Meetei Council and Hill Tribal council held on April 15 noted absence of basic amenities that had been jeopardising residents of the important border town, reports our correspondent.
In a joint statement, the Councils said arrival of summer season has added to the problems of the people settled in Moreh as power supply had been erratic for a long time thereby causing enormous hardships.
Elucidating, the joint statement said with the scorching heat drying up water sources (wells) the people are staring at even more critical situation for water supply schemes at Moreh Ward No.1 and W/N.9 had failed.
While listing problems of water supply and electricity as more chronic that need immediate remedial measures, the meeting also resolved to draw attention of the State authorities on the poor telecommunication network as establishing links beyond the border town is an exception rather than the norm.
Only a certain area of Moreh has telecom network that too not available when most needed, the statement maintained while questioning purpose of installing mobile towers.
Pointing out that Moreh branch of United Bank of India, being the only banking institution, could not handle volume of trade and financial transaction, the bodies suggested that an SBI branch be extended to Moreh to facilitate growth of border trade.
Moreover promises for installing ATM at the town remains a promise, it said expressing concern that unless basic infrastructure is ensured the ambitious Look East Policy would fail to materialise.
In highlighting the myriad problems, the bodies conveyed strong desire that regular power supply be ensured to enable the border residents bear the summer heat, lit the communally sensitive town as well as promote education of the student community.