Governor vows to discuss AFSPA issue with Centre
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Makang / DIPR

Ukhrul, April 19 2022: Governor of Manipur La Ganesan has assured of addressing the various grievances being endured by the people of Ukhrul district after holding an interaction with the district's Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and village authorities during his maiden visit to the district.

On Tuesday, a public meeting was held at Nungbi Khullen village.

Governor La Ganesan and his entourage were given a rousing welcome by the local villagers in a traditional manner.

As part of the public meeting, Ganesan held an interaction with the district's CSO leaders and village authorities.

"I assure you that I will study all these problems.

Certain problems will be conveyed to the chief minister who will handle them and I myself will take care of some of these.

Whatever you have written here, definitely actions will be taken immediately," he told the gathering, soon after receiving several petitions and memoranda from the CSOs and village authorities.

Touching upon AFSPA, he said that the government has withdrawn the Disturbed Area status from certain parts of the state where the law and order situation has improved.

"In other areas also, we hope the situation becomes normal and calm.

We will be happy if this Act will be withdrawn completely and good days should come," he said, while adding that he would discuss the matter with the Centre.

While pointing out that subsequent to improvement in law and order situation, the disturbed area status has been withdrawn from some parts of the state, Ganesan said that if there is complete peace and tranquillity in rest of the state in the coming days, then he will definitely urge the Centre to completely repeal AFSPA.

The Governor further said that there are certain issues that merit immediate attention of the state government and assured the people to advice the chief minister to take prompt action.

During the interaction, Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) vice president Tuisem Kamkara, Tangkhul Shanao Long (TSL) president Athing and Tangkhul Mayar Ngala Long (TMNL) president Somatai Machinao apprised the Governor about the problems being faced by the public in the areas of healthcare, education, internet, banking, road connectivity and manpower shortage in different departments in the district.

The CSO leaders also urged him to make necessary recommendation for withdrawal of AFSPA-1958 from all hill districts and also for exempting the entire Northeastern region from imposition of Hindi.

Responding to the appeal from the CSOs, Ganesan said that certain problems could be resolved at the local level, while others could be addressed at the state and national level.

The Governor then urged all the people of the district to enroll for Aadhaar, and also open a bank account, stating that these are required for availing government schemes and for receiving direct monetary benefits from the government.

He further asked the people to get vaccination against Covid-19 and also to co-operate with the government in executing fencing works along the border to check border intrusion.

During the programme, local pottery makers displayed a live demonstration of Hampai, earthen pottery making, along with an exhibition of a wide variety of Nungbi pottery.

Different folk songs and dances were also performed by the villagers to entertain the crowd.

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