Govt urged to fulfil promise of Ukhrul as summer capital
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Makang
Ukhrul, June 22 2024:
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Manipur Pradesh co-in-charge for political programmes and meetings, Michael Shaiza, has urged the state government to fulfil its commitment of establishing Ukhrul town as the 'Summer Capital' of Manipur.
It may be recalled that Chief Minister N Biren had announced the government's plan to establish Ukhrul town as the summer capital during a public meeting shortly after a cabinet meeting held in Ukhrul district headquarters in October 2023 .
"Since this announcement, denizens of Ukhrul district, especially residents of Ukhrul township, have been eagerly anticipating the fulfilment of this promise," Shaiza told The People's Chronicle in an interview at Wolorim Manor - B&B Hotel, Dungrei, Hungpung on Saturday.
"As a concerned denizen of the district and also as a member of the Tangkhul community, I sincerely feel that establishing Ukhrul town as the Summer Capital could have vast potential in developing Ukhrul district and the state as a whole," Shaiza stated.
"I appeal to the state government to implement the Cabinet decision at the soonest to fulfil the aspirations of the people of Ukhrul and make their long-awaited dream a reality," he asserted.
On being asked about the rationale behind the promised ambitious project, Shaiza explained that Ukhrul is a pioneer in the state's history and development in many ways.
"As a matter of fact, being the state's second oldest town, Ukhrul has played a pivotal role in the state's development.
For instance, in 1896, Ukhrul broke new ground by introducing Western education, and became the first place in the state to do so".
Subsequently, in 1919, it etched another milestone by establishing the first sub-division in the state, he continued, while adding that its significance extended beyond the borders of India during WWII, as Ukhrul became the first Indian town to be captured by the Japanese forces.
"On top of this, this town offers its natural beauty and pleasant climate, making it a suitable place for the summer capital," he further observed and emphasized the need for the government to live up to the ardent expectations of the people.
At the same time, Shaiza, who is also the president of Environment Rehabilitators' Association (ERA), noted that the ongoing ethnic clashes have thrown a spanner in various developmental activities in the state.
Shaiza then urged both the Meetei/Meitei and Chin-Kuki communities to engage in open dialogue as a means of resolving the ongoing communal tensions.
He also called for both the Central and state governments to foster an environment conducive to such moves, stating that the government's proactive role is essential in restoring peace and normalcy at the earliest.