Districts were created for political convenience: CM
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 12 2024: Chief minister N Biren acknowledged specific issues arising out of district boundary demarcation in Manipur, while claiming that some districts were created out of political convenience rather than administrative necessity.

He also expressed the need for drone survey of all the districts and realign district boundaries to resolve niggling issues.

Speaking on the final day of the assembly on Monday, the CM responded to a calling attention motion raised by NPF MLA Leishiyo Keishing, who highlighted the unresolved boundary disputes that have caused inconvenience to the public.

During his address, CM Biren pointed out that the creation of certain districts, particularly Kangpokpi, has led to difficulties for residents in accessing essential services and opportunities.

He shared that Nagas from Kangpokpi and Churachandpur had approached him recently with concerns about their inability to access basic services with some even complaining of being subjected to illegal taxation and proposing merger of their areas to other districts.

The CM remarked that many of the district boundaries in Manipur were drawn based on ethnic lines, resulting in long-standing issues that continue to affect the state's peace and stability.

He stressed the need for reorganisation of the districts to address these problems and enhance administrative efficiency.

Biren contended that mistakes made in the past created significant roadblocks, and resolving these issues would require careful deliberation.

To address the boundary disputes, the CM proposed drone survey with involvement of village chiefs, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), and MLAs to ensure an effective and inclusive process.

Although a committee was previously formed to examine the issue, it has been unable to produce a final report due to various disputes, misunderstandings and ethnic sensitivities.

MLA Leishiyo Keishing, in his motion, provided a historical overview of district reorganisation, dating back to the British period.

He specifically mentioned the contentious demand for creation of the Sadar Hills district in 1971, which was opposed by Naga CSOs, and eventually replaced by Kangpokpi district despite the objections.

He criticised the previous government's claim that the new districts were created for administrative convenience, pointing out that several areas, such as villages near Yairipok in Thoubal district, were included in Kangpokpi, forcing residents to cross multiple districts to reach their headquarters.

In 2016, the then Congress government led by Ibobi Singh had created seven new districts.

While the districts of Kangpokpi and Tengnoupal was carved out from Senapati and Chandel districts respectively, Pherzawl and Jiribam were carved out of Churachandpur and Imphal East districts respectively.

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